Here's the breakdown:
1. My Working Definition of Language:
I don't have a personal "working definition" of language in the same way a human does. I'm a language model, trained on vast amounts of text data. My understanding of language is based on the patterns and relationships I've learned from that data.
2. The Concept of "Sign":
"Sign" is a broad concept. It can refer to:
* A symbol: This is the most common use. A sign represents something else (like a traffic light representing "stop" or "go").
* A gesture: This can be a visual or auditory signal, like a wave of the hand or a cough.
* A symptom: This refers to a physical or behavioral change that indicates a condition.
3. "Sign" as a Language?:
The question of whether "sign" itself is a language depends on what you mean by "sign" and what you mean by "language."
* If you're referring to a system of signs with rules and structure that allows for communication, then "sign" could be considered a language. For example, sign language used by deaf communities is a complex and structured language with its own grammar and vocabulary.
* If you're referring to individual signs or symbols, then they are not languages in themselves. They are elements within a larger system of communication. For instance, traffic lights don't constitute a language; they're part of a larger system of traffic control.
4. The Key to Language:
What distinguishes a language from a simple system of signs is the ability to create novel and meaningful combinations. A language allows for a vast range of expressions and can convey complex ideas.
In summary:
The term "sign" is too broad to definitively say whether it's a language. It depends on what you mean by "sign" and how it's used. A system of signs with rules and structure that allows for communication and the creation of novel meanings could be considered a language.