WHAT IS SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE? 4 EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The symbolic language is the form of communication through which human beings interpret a symbol and get a message from him. For example, traffic signs are symbols that indicate various actions required while driving / driving.

For the understanding of symbolic language to occur, a capacity for reason is necessary on the part of the individual in addition to the understanding of the society in which they work and with which they will share the symbolic language.

Human beings are animals that communicate through symbols, which transcend cultures and social groups.

Through symbolic language, humans identify and represent different portions of reality. Symbolism completes what conceptual and explicit language is unable to encompass, due to its natural limitations.

One of the characteristics of symbolic language is that it is difficult to set limits on it. Through symbols, people can express from the most obvious to what is not visible.

All symbolic language is subject to the different interpretations that each person gives it. As it is not an explicit form of language, the interpretation of the messages may vary between the sender and the receiver.

Symbolic language concept

Many of the studies in the field of symbolic language are focused on the interpretation of it by the different cultures that inhabit the planet, as well as the factors that led to determine that a symbol represents something.

Among the different cultures, the meanings and acceptances of symbolic language vary, so it is in turn a way of studying the cultures themselves.

Although in recent centuries the search for truth through science has turned the balance towards the descriptive language; symbolic language has found its place.

With explicit language, it is possible to analyze, understand and postulate different necessary approaches. But with symbolic language, everything inherent in what human beings feel, their expressions and sensations, is captured.

Examples of symbolic language

1- Religious symbols

Abrahamic monotheistic religions have dominated the world for a few millennia. The entire western world and much of the eastern world is strongly influenced by some of the Abrahamic religions.

One of the greatest examples of the impact of symbolic language on humanity is the symbols of religions.

It should start by talking about Christianity. There is no doubt that the cross is the universal symbol of Christians. Jesus of Nazareth, one of the faces of the Holy Trinity according to most Christians, was executed on a cross.

From there, that symbol was taken to represent anywhere a Christian or Christian family goes, from clothing to great cathedrals.

Something similar happens with the Jewish people, the origin of Christianity. David, second king of Israel, unified the territory and he is credited with the origin of the Star of David, the current symbol par excellence of Judaism, which even appears on the flag of the State of Israel.

In Islam, which does not worship images, there is no very clear symbol, but the most popular is the crescent moon and star, of Byzantine origin.

2- Shows of affection

Probably the most popular meaning of symbol is something physical that is designed by someone to identify something. But the different demonstrations that human beings carry out and through which they express their feelings, are also part of symbolic language.

One of the main examples of symbolic language that can be used is the hug. Worldwide, two people hugging represent one of the greatest displays of affection and affection that exists.

The advantage of the hug is that the interpretation is usually done directly. The understanding of the hug as a show of brotherhood is practically unanimous.

On the other hand, there is the kiss, which is interpreted as more loving and passionate, also depending on where it is kissed and the culture that interprets it.

Finally, another of the most popular displays of affection is the handshake, which has a pre-Roman origin.

Through the handshake, two people show their respect and can, on occasions, seal an agreement or an alliance. This symbol has spread to western and eastern cultures.

3- Rejection samples

Just as there are numerous displays of affection that human beings show each other, there are many others that are rejection between people.

Most of these are related to trying to send a violent intimidating message to another person, which undermines their personal and psychological identity.

Universally, violence is recognized through fists. When one person offers a fist to another, in many cultures it is understood as a way to start a fight. Similarly, there are different symbols that can be performed by hand to offend someone else.

Gestures also play an important role in showing rejection. By raising their eyes or expressing superiority, they are showing their disapproval or rejection of what another human being says or does.

Between cultures, the samples of rejection are highly studied, because violence is present in all societies.

4- Traffic signs

Globalization has made the signs that can be seen on a road globally known.

Although it is constantly felt that most of the people behind the wheel do not know the meaning of traffic signs, there are many signs that are identified by most human beings.

A red hexagon with the inscription STOP is understood as something that indicates that you should stop.

Another even simpler example: the drawing of a telephone means that there is one nearby. A bed means there is a hotel or inn nearby.

In this sense, it can be understood that in a large part of planet Earth there are common symbols, probably imposed from developed countries, but which represent institutions that have been consolidated in many latitudes.

These institutions range from public services to means of transportation and allow people who do not understand the language to know what to expect.

References

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4. Guardans, T. (nd). On symbolic language. Notes. Otsiera. Recovered from otsiera.com.
5. Kaplan, K. (July 28, 2014). Fist bumps, high-fives spread fewer germs than handshakes, study says. Los Angeles Times. Recovered from com.
6. Kasomo, D. (2012). An Assessment of Religious Language in Philosophy of Religion. International Journal of Applied Sociology, 2 (1). 1-4. Recovered from ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk.
7. Robinson, S. (April 11, 2017). 21 Basic Sign Language Signs With Pictures. Heal Dove. Recovered from healdove.com.