Symbols Are Arbitrary- This means that the words are not intrinsically connected to what they represent. To give something a meaning we all have to agree on the symbol. Different cultures have different meanings for example a Dr. Pepper commercial in the United Kingdom had a tagline "I'm a pepper", which over there actually meant I'm a prostitute. Since language is arbitrary they can also change in meaning over time. For example in the 1950s the word gay meant "lighthearted" and "merry" and now it is used to describe a sexual preference.
Symbols Are Ambiguous- They are ambiguous because it isn't always clear what the meaning is. Not every word means the same thing to everyone and not everyone will agree on what is meant which is a common problem between friends and romantic partners. For example in most countries the term "dog" means four-legged creature as well as a member of the family while in some other countries it also means four-legged creature and food.
Symbols Are Abstract- Being abstract means that the symbol meanings are not concrete or tangible. When someone says you are insensitive they only remember the times when you were insensitive over the times that you were sensitive.
Hey Meow Mix,
ReplyDeleteI could really relate to your post on the symbolic meaning of words. The examples on "symbols are arbitrary" reminded me something that was brought up in one of my other classes about the Chevrolet Nova car they were trying to market in Mexico. However, in Mexico, Nova meant "doesn't go" and it didn't market too well as it did here in the U.S. All in all, it is extremely important to really understand other cultures and languages to effectively communicate with them. As you mentioned, symbols are ever changing and can have a completely opposite meaning in another culture. If we are not careful, it may unintentionally come off as very offensive. Overall, great job explaining the symbolism behind language!
I thought you made a good point about the ambiguous nature of words and what they can mean to different people. It’s funny to think how important a dog is over here while, in some other part of the world, it’s being served as a meal. Some people hear the word dog and think “man’s best friend” and others might hear it and think “dinner”. I think it all comes down to upbringing and how we’re taught to react to certain words and concepts. For example, a rude phrase would be offensive to someone who speaks the language, but it would be only gibberish to someone who speaks a different language
ReplyDeleteI feel you made a great point addressing the symbolic meaning of words. I too agree that being abstract means that the symbol meanings are not concrete or tangible. However, there are many incorrect definitions of language, some language is not vocal. Arbitrary symbols need to be learned, realistically these symbols would be foreign to anyone except the person making them up. Better to define language as a complex system of symbols used to convey meaning, feeling and intent.
ReplyDeletePersonally I believe a symbol has no direct relationship with the object or item that it "stands for". What each symbol represents is agreed upon by the convention of the government. Symbols are arbitrary and must be learned. When we see an icon with a plan we automatically know an airport is near, however when some see greek symbols it may not be as easy to determine the meaning. As you addresed in your post, symbols are ever changing and can have a completely opposite meaning in another culture. I enjoyed reading this post, nice job!