Symbols in Communication

Symbols can represent communication and as such are a form of language.Are humans

truly the only primates that can understand language ? Can other species talk? Chimpanzees

are competent in learning a basic form of language and can constructively express their ideas.

Some scientists believe that one day these primates will be able to communicate masterfully

through the use of signs and symbols. In our awareness of the chimpanzee’s inability to speak

vocally, should we also exclude the from independent symbol creation? (Human Societies:

An Introduction to Macrosociology. 9th ed. Nolan, Lenski, p. 15)

To begin examining the origin of the use of symbols as a form of communication, one must

look back in history almost 6000 years. Limestone tablets dated back to 3500 B.C. were found

to bear some of the oldest known writing. On each tablet are symbols for head, hand, foot,

threshing sledge, and several numerals. (Human Societies: An Introduction to

Macrosociology. 9th ed. Patrick Nolan, Gerhard Lenski, p. 34) Although humans began

writing structured messages as early as 6000 B.C., the actual use of symbols dates back

almost 40,000 years ago.But what is language and what is communication and how does it

works ? Verbal communication is far from the only form.

First of all, a sign is something we directly encounter, yet at the same time it refers to

something else. Thunder is a sign of rain. A punch in th...

Symbols in Communication

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