Homeworks

2-The system of traffic lights used in cities is sometimes described as a “code”. In what sense is it a code? How does it compare with languages as a code in communication? (Suggested answer: It is a “code” because the red, amber and green lights are “symbols”, each of which conveys a meaning. This is a simple code which can communicate only 3 messages. “Stop!” “Wait!” and “Go!” Language, on the other hand, can be used to communicate an infinite number of messages.)

Traffic lights are a special code that conveys useful information on traffic, i.e. transmitting or communicating a message, for example, a red light means stop, green light means move and the yellow light means wait. Therefore, the traffic signals are comparable with the language because they communicate something to someone, so you could say that transit is a language that every driver and pedestrians should know.

-Have you heard of the Morse code? What is it and how is it used? Use the internet to collect information on this topic and present a short report to your classmates.

Morse code is a code or communication system that allows the telegraph communication through the transmission of electrical pulses of different lengths or by visual means, such as light, sound or mechanical. This code consists of a series of dots, dashes and spaces that can be combined together to form words, numbers and other symbols.

- You may have seen the “skull-and-crossbones” sign which carries the meaning “danger”.

This sign acts as a “symbol”, communicating a particular meaning. What are some of the other symbols of this kind which you often see in public places?

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