  We introduce an algebraic framework for interacting quantum systems that
enables studying complex phenomena, characterized by the coexistence and
competition of various broken symmetry states of matter. The approach unveils
the hidden unity behind seemingly unrelated physical phenomena, thus
establishing exact connections between them. This leads to the fundamental
concept of {\it universality} of physical phenomena, a general concept not
restricted to the domain of critical behavior. Key to our framework is the
concept of {\it languages} and the construction of {\it dictionaries} relating
them.
