Non verbal symbols

Nonverbal symbol,(such as pictures,signs,gestures,and systematic patters,and words),both

receptive and expression communications,are meant to represent an event,person,place,or thing
without utilizing verbal communications.Symbols can be either concrete or abstract means of
communication.

Why are Nonverbal Symbols

Symbols have been used all the way back to primtive times,and are still a popular media form of
nonverbal communication in todays civilization.We use different types of symbols through
pictures,signs,colors,shapes,hand gestures,and so on to communicate.Its important to examine
the nonverbal symbols inorder to understand what they mean,what they look like,and how they
sound.We use symbols on our daily commutes with signs point us to Take a U Turn or Go
Left.When a traffic light turns green,we know it is our turn to go.We use symbols in math,such
as +means to add,and = means equal to.Going into public venues,we are likely to see
symbols tells us which is the womens restroom nad which is the mans restroom.We are told
where people are not allowed to smoke,and where those with a handicap are able to park.We
even express ourselves through symbols.Simple nonverbal symbols could be the hitchhikers
thumbs or moving our thumb and index finger into a circle,for an O.K sign.Hearing and
visually impaired individuals rely on symbols and signs inorder to communicate.Symbols or signs
can be comples as well,such as American and British sign language,which are nonverbal signs
meant to translate to a verbal translation.Symbols and signs are an essential part in
communication.

Types of nonverbal symbols

Concrete Symbols
Nonverbal symbols can be concrete communication
-When a symbol is concrete,it means that the symbol is similar enough that a person would have
no trouble knowing what the symbol means
Example:
If a sign like this was on a door,such as in store or restaurant most people would assume that is
was a unisex bathroom

Abstract symbols
Nonverbal symbols can also be abstract
-When a symbol is abstract,it means the resembles of a symbols to the event,person,place or
thing is not closely represented.
Example

This symbol shows that person was cold but he could have been breathing,talking or maybe even
singing.There is no right answer for this,but it shows how when we are confronted with abstract
symbols,it depeds on what individual sees.Experiences,ideas,beliefs,and so on can also play a
part influencing in what we see if no other information is given.

Words are also complex symbols

Words as Complex and Abstract symbols
Symbols are not just pictures and hand gestures.Words,such as the ones youre reading now are
also considered nonverbal symbols.Words are meant to stand for or represent something,but
are not meant to be the thing they are representing.Words do not make up the meanings,but a
persons inner thoughts do.For example,my four-year-old niece has a little car for her to ride
outside in.When shes drawing her pictures of her favorite car,she labels it a train,when in fact it
is a car.Because of her recent interest in trains,everything that has four wheels,is a train.This
shows that it is possible for people to look at the same object,but give it different meanings
based on their personal experiences.In essence,words can symbolize whatever we want.It only
comes apparent to have similar meaning for words when communicating.

More Complex symbols

Another type of complex symbols are Tactile symbols which are used by people who are totally
blind or have visual limitations that do not allow them to see words or pictures clearly enough to
understand their meanings.In order to communicate,individuals have to use certain materials
and in certain positions to show what they are trying to say.

Another form of nonverbal symbols that is considered complex,is a logical system of dots that
represent words known as braille.

To represent alphabet,dots are used in a systematic pattern a person will touch or trace with
their fingers to form the letter