Yulia M Putri Kowaas

15. 2. 6. 033

There are three ideas that essential in sign systems generally and in
languages: syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. They basically identify the form, the content, and
the use of signs and languages. Introduced by Charles Sanders Peirce and refined by Charles
Morris and Rudolf Carnap, these three aspects or dimensions of semiotics (the study, theory, or
science of signs and their uses) in general, and of languages in particular, are standard concepts
in the philosophy of language and in linguistics.

Syntax refers to the ways signs are interrelated within the system how letters are combined
to form words, words combined to form sentences, etc. This is the lexicon and grammar of
language, for example. Syntax gives languages coherence in their inherent form and structure.

Semantics refers to the ways sign systems and the world are interrelated to establish
meaning how words and expressions in the system are associated with objects, events, ideas,
places, things, actions, etc. Semantics establishes the correspondence between languages and
the world.

Pragmatics refers to the ways sign systems and their users are interrelated to serve the users
intents and purposes how syntax and semantics enable sign, for instance language users to
communicate, for example, in scientific and ordinary discourse, to share ideas, create and
invent, command and control, etc