The iconicity , in functional-cognitive linguistics and in semiotics, is the similarity or analogy between the form of a sign (linguistic or not) and its meaning. It is about the relation of similarity or similarity between the two aspects of a sign: its form and its meaning.
An iconic sign is one whose shape resembles its meaning in some way. The opposite of iconicity is arbitrariness. In an arbitrary sign, the association between form and meaning is based solely on the convention; there is nothing in the form of the sign that resembles aspects of its meaning.
Any image is cataloged under the criterion of iconicity according to its degree of similarity with the level of reality that it represents. D.A Dondis, J. Room and other designers established three fundamental levels of iconicity.
If an image has a high level of iconicity, it is considered realistic, when it has a degree of iconicity, it refers to a figurative image, and when it has a degree of iconicity, it is an abstract image.
Degrees of Iconicity
There are 11 degrees of iconicity classified in descending order and by levels of reality.
11-Natural image
A natural image is any perception of reality through sight without interference from external factors. It is impossible to represent this degree of iconicity in its entirety through any virtual image.
10-Three-dimensional scale model
In a three-dimensional scale model, the properties of an object and its identification are restored. The most common examples are usually life-size sculptures because they refer us to the same human form on which they are based.
9-Holograms
In this degree the images are a stereoscopic record that restores the position and shape of the objects present in a space.
8-Photographs in color
Color photographs with a high degree of definition and quality can be compared to the resolving power of an average human eye. This style of photographs helps to represent reality quite similarly.
7-Black and white photographs
Black and white photographs bear a certain resemblance to the degree of iconicity of color photographs. The only thing that separates them is the level of reality that monochromatic photographs can not represent in their entirety.
6-Realistic painting
Realistic painting reestablishes spatial relationships within a two-dimensional plane. The plan is usually of an indeterminate size and on several occasions the characteristics of the painting itself can take us away from its resemblance to reality.
From this level, the degree of iconicity begins to fall considerably.
5-Non-realistic figurative representation
Unlike with the previous grades, non-realistic figurative representations have altered spatial relationships, but still produce the identification needed to recognize them.
4-Pictograms
Pictograms are icons drawn that figuratively present a real object in a more or less realistic way. It is a real image exposed in a simple and clear way with sensitive features.
3-Motivated schemes
Motivated schemes have abstracted artistic properties and re-establish organic relationships. This degree is usually represented by plans and flow charts.
2-Arbitrary schemes
Arbitrary schemes are images that do not keep any sensitive feature. In this degree, the relationship of the image with its meaning does not follow any logical criteria.
1-Non-figurative representation
In the non-figurative representation all the images have abstracted the sensitive and relationship properties.
References
- Bouissac, Paul. (1986 ). Iconicity: essays on the nature of culture . Stauffenburg-Velarg.
- Iradi, Franco. (2004). Research work '' Iconicity Scales '' . Bilbao
- Lopez, Angel. (1989). Fundamentals of perceptual linguistics . Madrid, Gredos.
- Peirce, Charles. (1974). The science of semiotics . Buenos Aires. New Vision.
- Ransdell, Joseph. (1966). Charles Peirce: The idea of Representation . NY, Columbia University.