Measurement in the Arabic language

Nothing indicates another by its nature such that its mere presence is sufficient in meaning. Rather, meaning exists after knowledge of the connection between the two things. Were it not for the observation of this connection, two things would not have been linked in the mind to the effect that this is a signifier and that is its signifier. In this way, matters are resolved that are not linked to what is indicated by a natural law, but rather it is custom and convention. If we see a flag on the seashore, we know that there is a ship. It is clear that there is no connection between the flag and the presence of a ship at anchor other than that mental connection arising from people''s convention of raising flags on ships.From this valley is the significance of words on meanings. The meaning is not present when the word is first pronounced. It is present in a presence that creates benefit unless it is preceded by the knowledge that this word was created to indicate this meaning. The one speaking about it is one of those who follow the example of this situation in speech. Language - as Ibn Jinni said - is the sounds used by every people to express their purposes. It is a quality known to man. No nation has been known among humanity that does not have a language with which to express its needs.