Symbolism-- the Heart of the Communicative Process
Language is simply a system of commonly-agreed symbols. Whether the spoken word or the written word, all English speakers interpret most particular grouping of sounds or letters in the same way (we'll talk about regional variations elsewhere). But symbols go much further, whether smoke signals, road signs or a sprig of mistletoe-- in a flash of recognition, a particular response is evoked. The master communicator understands and applies the magic of symbolism to elicit responses far more powerful than can a purely intellectual message.
Language is simply a system of commonly-agreed symbols. Whether the spoken word or the written word, all English speakers interpret most particular grouping of sounds or letters in the same way (we'll talk about regional variations elsewhere). But symbols go much further, whether smoke signals, road signs or a sprig of mistletoe-- in a flash of recognition, a particular response is evoked. The master communicator understands and applies the magic of symbolism to elicit responses far more powerful than can a purely intellectual message.
