Only mind can give meaning, and meaning comes in layers: A bunch of ink molecules becomes a word when a human sees them, groups them and remembers the sound the word makes. The sound is one level of meaning, which the ink only appears to possess if the human can read. If the person knows the given language the sound goes on to remind one of an object, action, attribute, etc.
Similarly, an object has no intrinsic meaning, but is percieved by an individual who is able to discern the object from its environment, with reference to information gathered and assimilated previously. Meaning is subjective. This is why babies are less inteligent than adults. Familiarity "means" good. The sights, smells and sounds of the primary carer "mean" safety. Babies have got a lot to learn.
I'm trying to develop these thoughts into words that make sense. Please forgive my clumsiness - I realy do know what I'm trying to say, but its not easy to put in words.
Have a good day.
Human Evolution in 42 Steps