Answer to Question #249409 in Sociology for sania raza

Question

Symbols: Anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share culture. Whistle, flashing light, thumbs up are all symbols.

Human beings have the capacity to create symbols with different meanings associated with each. These symbols are used as means of communication and thereby become part of our language.

Even the buildings, dress, the flag, and a type of color may be taken as symbols indicating some aspect of human behavior as well as society’s outlook.

1.     What are 3 examples of symbols in your life?

Answer 1

People create and interpret the meaning of symbols solely through shared cultural understanding. Communication occur only if people know how to use and interpret a shared set of symbols. My symbols in life are mainly visual. I usually associate colors with gender with gender, for instance, pink is for girls and blue for boys. Another symbol is traffic signage such as stop signs or symbols used on highways which indicate where to stop for gas, food, or lodging. Apart from visual symbols I also use gestures . For instance, a kiss on the cheek symbolizes love and close ties or feelings of intimacy to my family and close friends.