NON-LINGUISTIC SIGNS: CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The non - linguistic signs are objects or entities that communicate something, but are not mediated by either the spoken nor written language. For example, in some cultures the color black means mourning. This concept contrasts with the linguistic sign, defined as the union of a concept and an acoustic image.

Thus, the sounds of the word "song" and what is evoked by it constitute a linguistic sign. Now, when a receiver perceives and interprets a sign, the phenomenon of communication occurs. These signs are grouped into communication systems depending on their communication possibilities.

For example, all traffic or traffic signs make up a non-linguistic communication system that aims to regulate vehicular traffic.

According to the sense by which they are perceived, non-linguistic signs are classified into visual (traffic signs, gestures), auditory (sirens, applause) and tactile (pat on the shoulder).

characteristics

Semiotics, the science in charge of studying signs, explains that all of these (both non-linguistic and linguistic signs) comprise three elements: the sign or signal vehicles, the designated and the interpreter.

Thus, in the context of a battle, a white flag is the sign or signal vehicle, what it communicates (truce, ceasefire, surrender) is designated and the interpreter is the opposing side.

Some authors mention a fourth element: the behavior that is assumed after the sign is interpreted. In the example mentioned above it would be a permanent or temporary cessation of hostilities.

On the other hand, another characteristic of non-linguistic signs is that they contain universal elements and particular or specific elements of each culture.

As an example of a universal element stands out the symbol "∞", which represents infinity. Another example is the red dot (bindi) on the forehead of Hindu women, which lets others know that she is married.

Artificial non-linguistic signs

Artificial non-linguistic signs are a broad domain that includes road signs, electrical codes, chemical symbols, artistic symbols (such as paintings, statues, music and dance), and many others.

Even some postures or behavioral signs (body language such as facial expressions and hand gestures) distinctive from certain cultures fall into this category.

On the other hand, the category of artificial signs contains all the variety of aspects of the cognitive and practical activity of humanity. These signs and their meanings are generated in social interaction.

For example, traffic signs are one of the means to ensure vehicular circulation along land routes and to maintain order in transport in a city.

As such, these are the product of the development of the city's transportation and technologies that have reached a definite historical stage and the understanding of the meaning of these as signs.

So a red light is a sign that means to stop and a green light is a sign that means to continue. This presupposes a background of knowledge of the world, of education and of social learning.

Natural non-linguistic signs

Apart from artificial non-linguistic signs, there are also natural signs. The interpretation of these are the product of human knowledge about the functioning of nature.

In this way, an aura around the moon means that there will be wind or wet leaves on the trees means that it has recently rained.

Examples

Flags in a car race

Flag signals are a vital part of running an auto race. This is the only way that race officials can communicate directly with drivers.

Among other signs, the checkered flag indicates that the race is over. This is shown first to the winner and then to each car as they cross the line.

On the other hand, the red flag signals to drivers that the race has stopped, usually because a car is in a dangerous position after an accident or because of dangerous conditions.

In addition, this communication system has yellow flags (forbidden to overtake), blue (a faster car tries to overtake), green (danger clarified), black (disqualification), among others.

Smoke signals

Some Indian tribes developed a safe and fast way to communicate at a distance: smoke signals. Some signals were standard: one puff for "attention," two for "all good," and three for "danger or trouble."

However, the intention was to transmit secret knowledge at a distance, so most signals were devised privately and for a particular purpose. These were to be understood by the intended recipient, not the enemy.

Colors

Among the non-linguistic signs, colors are one of those with the greatest symbolic load. However, the meaning of each color varies from culture to culture.

For example, in Indian culture the color red is the most powerful of all and has many important meanings. Among these are fear and fire, wealth and power, purity, fertility, seduction, love and beauty.

Even a married woman can be identified by the red henna on her hands and the red powder, known as sindoor, used throughout her hair.

By contrast, in South Africa this same color is associated with mourning, and the red section on the country's flag symbolizes the violence and sacrifices that were made during the struggle for independence.

In Thai tradition, each day of the week corresponds to a specific color and is linked to a particular God. Red is the color of Sundays, and it is associated with Surya, a solar God who was born on this day.

For its part, in Chinese culture, red is traditionally used in the New Year, and during funerals and weddings. It represents celebration and is meant to bring luck, prosperity, happiness, and long life.

References

1. Hernando Cuadrado, LA (1995). Introduction to the theory and structure of language.

   Madrid: Verbum.

2. Rodríguez Guzmán, JP (2005). Graphic grammar to the juampedrino mode. Barcelona: Carena Editions.
3. José, ET (2006). Knowledge, Thought, and Language: An Introduction to Logic and Scientific Thought. Buenos Aires: Editorial Biblos.
4. Cestero Mancera, AM (1998). Non-verbal communication studies. Madrid: Editorial Edinumen.
5. Guorong, Y. (2016). The Mutual Cultivation of Self and Things: A Contemporary Chinese Philosophy of the Meaning of Being. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
6. BBC. (s / f). Flags guide. Taken from news.bbc.co.uk.
7. Virtual museum. (s / f). Smoke signals. Taken from telcomhistory.org.
8. Huffington Post. (2016, January 26). What Colors Mean in Other Cultures. Taken from huffingtonpost.com.