The book covers a wide range of issues related to the creation and use of various signs and sign systems, as well as languages built on their basis, as natural ones that arose spontaneously in the process of human evolution (oral and written speech, sign languages, facial expressions, etc.) .d.), and artificial (formal languages, programming languages, recording systems, coding, etc.). General methodological approaches to the study of languages of various natures are considered within the framework of semiotics - the science of signs and sign systems. New scientific and practical areas of semiotics related to the study of problems of human-computer interaction, cognitive processes, and problems of artificial intelligence are described. The material is presented in a lively and engaging manner, illustrated with memorable drawings and graphs.

The book is intended for a wide range of readers. It may be of interest to both humanists and engineering specialists, as well as high school students, undergraduate and graduate students.