linguistic signs

Linguistic signs are the basic units of meaning in language, consisting of two parts: the "signifier" (the word or sound we use) and the "signified" (the idea or concept it represents). For example, the word "tree" (signifier) is linked to the mental image or concept of a tree (signified). This relationship is conventional, meaning it's agreed upon by language users. These signs help us communicate complex ideas efficiently, forming the foundation of how language functions to connect words with meanings across different contexts and languages.