What is Symbolic Language? 4 Examples

He Symbolic language Is the form of communication by means of which human beings interpret some symbol and obtain a message from it.

In order for the understanding of symbolic language to take place, a capacity for reasoning on the part of the individual as well as an understanding of the society In which it plays and with which it will share the symbolic language.

Hands expressing a show of affection.  They are an example of symbolic language.

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

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

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

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

Concept of symbolic language

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

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

Although in the last centuries the search for truth through science has caused the balance to turn to the side of descriptive language; The symbolic language has found its place.

With the explicit language one can get to analyze, understand and postulate different necessary approaches. But with the symbolic language, everything inherent to what the human being feels, his expressions and sensations are expressed.

Examples of symbolic language

1- Religious Symbols

What is Symbolic Language?  4 Examples

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

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

One must 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 many Christians, was executed on a cross.

From there, that symbol was taken to represent any place where a Christian or Christian family goes, from clothing to big cathedrals.

Something similar happens with the Jewish people, origin of Christianity. David, the 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 appears even on the flag of the State of Israel.

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

2- Samples of affection

Eskimo kiss

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 perform and through which they express their feelings are also part of the symbolic language.

One of the main examples of symbolic language that can be used is the embrace. Globally, two people embracing each other represent one of the greatest signs of affection and affection that exist.

The advantage of the embrace is that the interpretation is usually done directly. Understanding the embrace as a sign 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 you kiss and the culture that interprets.

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

Through the handshake, two people show their respect and can, at times, seal an agreement or an alliance. This symbol has spread to Western and Eastern cultures.

3- Rejection samples

What is Symbolic Language?  4 Examples

Just as there are numerous signs of affection that humans 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, the violence Is recognized through fists. When a person offers a fist to another, in many cultures is understood as a way to start a fight. In the same way, there are different symbols that can be performed by hand to offend someone else.

Gestures also play an important role in showing rejection. When one looks up or expresses superiority, he is showing his disapproval or rejection of what another human being says or does.

Among cultures, rejection samples are highly studied, because violence is present in all societies.

4- Traffic signs

What is Symbolic Language?  4 Examples 1

The Globalization Has made the signals that can be seen in a road are of global knowledge.

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

A red hexagon with the inscription STOP is understood as something that indicates that it should be stopped.

Another even simpler example: drawing a phone 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 much of the planet Earth there are common symbols, probably imposed from the developed countries, but represent institutions that have consolidated in many latitudes.

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

References

  1. Deacon, T. (March 18, 2010). The Evolution Of Symbolic Language. NPR . Retrieved from npr.org.
  2. El Nuevo Diario (January 7, 2011). Signs, signs and symbols. The New Diary . Recovered from elnuevodiario.com.ni.
  3. The Corner of History. (16 March 2011). Symbolic language. The Corner of History . Retrieved from irenecm.wordpress.com.
  4. Guardans, T. (s.f.). 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 . Retrieved from com.
  6. Kasomo, D. (2012). An Assessment of Religious Language in Philosophy of Religion. International Journal of Applied Sociology , 2 (1). 1-4. Retrieved from ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk.
  7. Robinson, S. (April 11, 2017). 21 Basic Sign Language Signs With Pictures. Heal Dove . Recovered from healdove.com.


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