The Semiotic Triangle – Term, Concept and Object Explained
How does meaning arise in technical language? Why do different designations for the same object lead to misunderstandings – and how does a clearly defined concept bring structure to complex content? The semiotic (semiotic) triangle answers exactly these questions.
In terminology work, it is a central model: it shows how terms, concepts and objects interact. This connection is the foundation for building technical terminology, translations and knowledge bases – 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 and reality. In modern terminology work, the model is adapted as follows:
The three vertices of the triangle can be described as follows:
- Concept: the meaning with its defining characteristics, e.g. “optical output power of a laser”.
- Term: the linguistic sign, e.g. “laser output power”, “patient protection filter” or “Lumio”.
- Object (referent): the real or imagined entity, such as a specific laser device on a laboratory table.
The relationships within the triangle
Concept ↔ Object: the direct relationship
Concepts arise from observing and abstracting objects. They collect the essential characteristics needed for communication and documentation.
Term ↔ Concept: the linguistic convention
The connection between term and concept is conventional: professional communities, companies or standards decide which term designates which concept. This is why different languages may use different terms – but the underlying concept remains the same.
Term ↔ Object: only an indirect relationship
A term never refers directly to an object, but always via the concept. This explains why:
- a single term can denote different things (“bank” as furniture or financial institution),
- different terms can denote the same concept (“endoscope” vs. brand names),
- clear definitions are indispensable for technical communication.
A short story to illustrate the concept
Mira works in a small medical technology lab. When she arrives at her desk one morning, she finds a new, compact device waiting there – carefully packaged, labeled with safety warnings, and equipped with a protective cover over the optical unit. She has never seen this model before.
1. The object
The physical object exists first: a medical precision device with connectors, warning labels, and a control interface. It is perceivable, but its meaning is not yet defined.
2. A concept emerges
Mira opens the technical documentation. She reads that the system uses pulsed laser energy for minimally invasive micro-incisions and that an integrated optical guidance system provides exceptional precision. From these characteristics she forms a concept: a device that uses light energy in a controlled way to gently separate tissue.
3. The designation – the term “Lumio”
Her colleague Jonas explains: “This is our new system for fine-cut surgery. Internally, we call it ‘Lumio’.” The term is therefore the designation the team uses for this specific concept.
From this point on, Mira links together:
- the object (the physical device),
- the concept (a precise, laser-based medical instrument),
- the term “Lumio” (the name assigned to it).
4. The triangle becomes visible
The term “Lumio” derives its meaning not from the word itself, but because it refers – through the concept – to a clearly defined object. Only this connection makes communication unambiguous.
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 imagined objects
Tools like flashterm follow this principle: concept first, then terms. This ensures clarity in communication, translation and documentation.
Real-world application examples
- Medical technology: product names, functional terms, safety-related terminology
- Translation: preventing errors through clear concept–term assignments
- Knowledge bases: structured description and linking of concepts
Conclusion
The semiotic triangle is a powerful thinking tool for anyone working with technical language. Understanding how term, concept and object interact creates the foundation for clearer communication and more efficient processes.
One term, many meanings – the example of “filter”
In another workshop, someone asked: “Why do we even need terminology work? Everyone knows what a filter is.” But a quick look around the room revealed that the term “filter” is one of the most misleading examples of ambiguity.
1. One word – entirely different concepts
When asked “What is a filter?”, people imagine completely different things, depending on their field:
- Filter (medical technology): component that blocks specific laser wavelengths
- Filter (photography): optical accessory for creative image effects, e.g., a polarizing filter
- Filter (IT): algorithm or rule set that selects or suppresses data, such as a spam filter
- Filter (chemistry): material used to separate solids from liquids
- Filter (HVAC): air or water filter in technical systems
- Filter (everyday life): paper filter for brewing coffee
One term – but the underlying objects and concepts could not be more different. Without a defined concept, it remains unclear what is actually meant.
2. Concepts create clarity
In terminology work, each concept is precisely defined and assigned to a specific domain. Only then can the term be used, translated, or documented correctly.
-
Concept: laser safety filter
Domain: medical technology / laser safety
Definition: optical element that absorbs or reflects specific wavelengths to protect the eye. -
Concept: data filter
Domain: information technology
Definition: algorithm that selects, modifies, or suppresses data according to rules.
It is the concept level that determines what “filter” means – and prevents misunderstandings between engineers, IT specialists, laboratory staff, and documentation teams.
3. A real-world scenario
During the development of a laser device, a translator received the instruction: “Check and clean the filter regularly.”
However, the device contained two completely different types of filters:
- a laser safety filter that must never be cleaned, and
- a air filter of the extraction unit that must be cleaned regularly
The same term – but two concepts with opposite maintenance instructions. Without clear terminology, this could have caused a serious safety issue.
The example shows clearly: A term alone is not enough. Only the concept makes the intended meaning unambiguous.