Which term refers to a system of arbitrary symbols used for communication?

The term that refers to a system of arbitrary symbols used for communication is language. Language encompasses the use of symbols—such as words, signs, or written characters—that represent ideas, objects, or actions. This symbolic nature is what allows individuals to convey complex meanings and ideas beyond what is immediately observable.

It is essential to understand that language is foundational to communication. While communication involves the broader process of transmitting information, language specifically refers to the structured system through which this transmission occurs. Syntax and pragmatics are components of language; syntax focuses on the rules governing sentence structure, while pragmatics deals with the context-dependent aspects of language use and the social rules involved in effective communication. However, neither syntax nor pragmatics captures the entire concept of an arbitrary symbol system as language does.