THE CYRILLIC ALPHABET AND CODE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analytical review of scientific terms «alphabet», «code», «cipher». The research, which was based on lexicological, lexical, semiotic analysis, showed the essential difference between the terms «letter» and «sign of cipher», «sign of code». The letter (the writing sign) and its characteristics are formed on the analogy basis. The sign of cipher and code (the digital characters) are formed on the discrete, digital basis. Their bond (link) between the material form and the meaning is different too. The link between the material form of the writing sign (the letter) and its meaning is arbitrary (it is determined by cultural tradition and written legends). The link between the material form of the cipher sign (or code) and its meaning is secret (agreed as a secret sign), temporary, absolutely conventional. The results of the review are mainly based on the corpus comparative study of semantic realism methodology, which reflects the general state of formation (making) of these terms in Russian literary scientific style (language) of XX-XXI centuries. The article also presents the comparative and evidential basis which isbased on the materials of scientific texts and dictionaries of XX and XXI centuries. It is unfounded and illegitimate to use the terms «code» and «cipher» in the research of history and special features of natural-historical alphabets writing signs, for example, such as the Cyrillic alphabet.