Symbols and Language

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Chapter 3.2

• Symbols and Language

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Symbols

• Symbols are things that stand for or represent
  something else
• Symbols can be anything (physical objects,
  sounds, smells, tastes, etc.)
• Symbols are not based on physical characteristics
  (clapping can have multiple meanings)
• Symbols may have more than one meaning
• Confederate flag can have two meanings
• Pride for White Southerners
• Oppression for Blacks

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Language

• Language is a type of symbol
• Language frees humans from time and place
• Not required to be at a situation to understand
  it
• Language allows humans to create culture
• Pass knowledge, customs, ideas to others
• Allows humans to learn

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Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

• Edward Sapir Benjamin Whorf claim language is
  our guide to reality
• What we think about an object, situation, etc. is
  directly related to the complexity of words
  ideas used to describe it
• For example flag burning
• Is this an act of a patriot or a traitor?

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Vocabulary and CultureWhen a culture values
something there will be many words to describe it

• Money
• Moolah
• Greenbacks
• Dough
• Benjamins
• Dinero
• Cash
• Bling

• Time
• Second
• Minute
• Hour
• Year
• Jiffy
• Sec
• Forever
• Annual