Nature and the Sign

In semiotics, "nature" refers to the inherent qualities or physical aspects of a thing or sign, such as its shape, color, or sound, that naturally evoke certain meanings. The "sign" is something that represents or stands for something else, like a word or symbol. The relationship between a sign and what it signifies can be driven by nature (like smoke signaling fire) or learned through conventions (like language). Understanding this distinction helps us see how meaning is conveyed naturally or through societal agreements.