The non-linguistic signs they are objects or entities that communicate something, but that are not mediated either by spoken language or by written language. For example, in some cultures black means mourning. This concept contrasts with that of 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 communicative possibilities.
For example, all traffic or traffic signals make up a non-linguistic communication system that aims to regulate vehicular traffic. According to the sense by which they are perceived, The non-linguistic signs are classified as visual (traffic signals, gestures), auditory (sirens, applause) and tactile (slap on the shoulder).
Index
- 1 characteristics
- 1.1 Artificial non-linguistic signs
- 1.2 Natural non-linguistic signs
- 2 Examples
- 2.1 Flags in a car race
- 2.2 Smoke signals
- 2.3 Colors
- 3 References
characteristics
Semiotics, science responsible for studying signs, explains that all 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 communicates (truce, ceasefire, surrender) is what 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 the permanent or temporary cessation of hostilities.
On the other hand, another characteristic of non-linguistic signs is that they contain universal elements and specific 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 they are married.
Artificial non-linguistic signs
Artificial non-linguistic signs are a broad domain that includes traffic signs, electrical codes, chemical symbols, artistic symbols (such as paintings, statues, music and dance) and many others.
Even some postures or signs of behavior (body language such as facial expressions and hand gestures) distinctive of 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 transportation in a city.
As such, these are the product of transport development and technologies of the city that have reached a defined historical stage and the understanding of the meaning of these as signs.
So, a red light is a sign that means stopping and a green light is a sign that means to follow. This presupposes a background of world knowledge, education and social learning.
Natural non-linguistic signs
Apart from artificial non-linguistic signs, there are also natural signs. The interpretation of these are products of human knowledge about the functioning of nature.
In this way, an aura around the moon means that there will be wind or the wet leaves of the trees means that it has recently rained.
Examples
Flags in a car race
Flag signals are a vital part of running a race car. This is the only way that career officers 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 when crossing the line.
On the other hand, the red flag signals drivers that the race has stopped, usually because a car is in a dangerous position after an accident or dangerous conditions.
In addition, this communication system has yellow flags (forbidden overtaking), blue (a faster car tries to overtake), green (danger cleared), black (disqualification), among others.
Smoke signals
Some Indian tribes developed a safe and quick way to communicate remotely: smoke signals. Some signs were standard: one puff for"attention", two for"all good"and three for"danger or problem".
However, the intention was to transmit secret knowledge from a distance, so that most of the signals were thought privately and for a particular purpose. These should be understood by the intended recipient, not by the enemy.
Colors
Among non-linguistic signs, colors are one of the ones with the greatest symbolic charge. 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.
On the contrary, in South Africa this same color is associated with mourning, and the red section on the country's flag symbolizes the violence and sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.
In the Thai tradition, a specific color corresponds to each day of the week and is linked to a particular God. Red is the color of Sundays, and 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 the celebration and is destined to bring luck, prosperity, happiness and a long life.
References
- Hernando Cuadrado, L. A. (1995). Introduction to the theory and structure of language.
Madrid: Verbum. - Rodríguez Guzmán, J. P. (2005). Graphic grammar to the juampedrino mode. Barcelona: Carena Editions.
- José, E. T. (2006). Knowledge, thought and language: an introduction to logic and scientific thinking. Buenos Aires: Editorial Biblos.
- Cestero Mancera, A. M. (1998). Studies of non-verbal communication. Madrid: Editorial Edinumen.
- Guorong, Y. (2016). The Mutual Cultivation of Self and Things: A Contemporary Chinese Philosophy of the Meaning of Being. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
- BBC (s / f). Flags guide. Taken from news.bbc.co.uk
- Virtual museum. (s / f). Smoke signals. Taken from telcomhistory.org.
- Huffington Post. (2016, January 26). What Colors Mean in Other Cultures. Taken from huffingtonpost.com.