The Semiotic Triangle – Term, Concept and Object Explained
The semiotic triangle describes the relationship between a term (designation), a concept (mental unit), and an object (a real or imagined entity). It explains how meaning arises in technical language and forms a core foundation of terminology work and terminology management.
How does meaning arise in technical language? Why do different designations for the same object lead to misunderstandings – and why does a clearly defined concept bring structure to complex content? The semiotic triangle (also known as the semantic triangle) provides a structured answer.
In terminology work, this model is fundamental. It makes visible how terms, concepts and objects are interconnected. On this basis, technical terminology, translations and knowledge bases can be built consistently – for example in a terminology system like flashterm.
What is the semiotic triangle?
The semiotic triangle, introduced by Ogden and Richards, describes the relationship between linguistic signs, mental concepts and reality. For terminology work, this model can be applied and refined with precision:
The three vertices of the triangle can be described as follows:
- Concept: the mental unit with its defining characteristics, e.g. “optical output power of a laser”.
- Term: the linguistic designation, e.g. “laser output power”, “patient protection filter” or a product name.
- Object (referent): the real or imagined entity, such as a specific laser device in a laboratory or operating room.
The relationships within the triangle
Concept ↔ Object: the direct relationship
The relationship between concept and object is immediate. Concepts arise from perception, experience and abstraction of objects. They capture the characteristics relevant for technical communication and documentation.
Term ↔ Concept: the linguistic convention
The relationship between term and concept is conventional. Professional communities, organizations or standards determine which term is used for which concept. As a result, the same concept may have different designations in different languages or contexts – while the concept itself remains clearly defined.
Term ↔ Object: only indirectly connected
A term never refers to an object directly, but always via the concept. This leads to typical linguistic phenomena:
- a single term can denote multiple concepts (e.g. “bank”),
- multiple terms can denote the same concept (synonyms, product names),
- clear definitions are essential for unambiguous communication.
A short story to illustrate the model
After a longer sabbatical, Mira has only recently returned to the lab team. In the meantime, a lot has changed – new projects, new workflows, and apparently new devices.
1. The object
In one of the lab rooms, there is a compact system Mira does not recognize. It has connectors, warning labels and a sealed optical unit. The object is present, but its meaning is not yet clear.
2. A concept emerges
To get an overview, Mira picks up the user manual. She learns that the system uses pulsed laser energy for minimally invasive procedures and is designed for precise medical applications.
From this information, a concept takes shape: a medical precision device for controlled tissue separation using laser energy.
3. The designation – the terms “LUMIO” and “Blue”
On the cover of the manual, the name stands out clearly: LUMIO. That is how the device is labeled and how it appears in internal documents and systems.
A little later, Mira hears colleagues say: “Is Blue already running?” – “I’ll be at Blue in a minute.” She looks at the device, puzzled. Are they really talking about the same system?
A brief conversation clears things up: “Blue” is a nickname that has become established within the team. With the device’s striking blue design, the name caught on quickly. LUMIO is the official term. Depending on the context, different designations are used.
For external technical communication – for example in documentation or translation – an additional term may be used that is understandable independently of product or brand names.
These terms differ in usage, not in their conceptual assignment.
4. The triangle becomes visible
In this situation, it becomes apparent: the meaning of “LUMIO” or “Blue” does not come from the name itself, but from its assignment to a clearly defined concept, which in turn refers to a specific object.
Why the semiotic triangle matters in terminology work
- Concept level: definitions, characteristics, domain structure
- Term level: preferred terms, synonyms, rejected terms, languages
- Object level: physical devices, products or processes
Terminology systems such as flashterm follow exactly this principle: establish clarity at the concept level first – then manage consistent designations for different communication contexts.
Frequently asked questions about the semiotic triangle
What is the difference between a term and a concept?
A concept is a mental unit defined by characteristics. A term is the linguistic designation of that concept. Multiple terms can designate the same concept.
Why does a term not refer to an object directly?
A term refers to an object only via a concept. Without the conceptual level, designations become ambiguous and technical communication becomes unreliable.
Why is the semiotic triangle important for terminology work?
The model helps separate designations, meanings and real-world entities and objects clearly and manage them systematically – especially in multilingual technical communication.
Conclusion
The semiotic triangle is more than a theoretical model. It is a practical way of thinking for anyone working with technical language, translation or knowledge management. Keeping term, concept and object clearly separated creates clarity – and helps avoid costly misunderstandings.