ASigns are chosen based on rules
BThere is no natural connection between signifier and signified
CSigns have inherent meanings
DSigns are random
Answer:
B. There is no natural connection between signifier and signified
Read Explanation:
"Arbitrary nature of the sign" refers to the idea that the relationship between a word (or signifier) and its meaning (or signified) is not naturally connected, but rather is assigned based on social convention, meaning there is no inherent reason why a particular sound or symbol should represent a specific concept; essentially, the meaning is chosen arbitrarily within a language community.
Key points about the arbitrary nature of the sign:
Linguistic theory:
This concept is central to Ferdinand de Saussure's theory of linguistics, where he argues that language is a system of signs where the connection between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary.
No inherent connection:
Unlike an iconic sign (like a picture), where the image resembles the object, a symbolic sign (like a word) has no inherent connection to the thing it represents.
Social convention:
The meaning of a sign is only understood because people within a language community have agreed to associate that particular sound or symbol with that concept.
Example: The word "cat" doesn't inherently sound like a feline animal; it only signifies a cat because English speakers collectively agree that it does.