As you read the following material, consider why visual symbols are also language.

A flag is a symbol that says many things to many people. Symbols can be a simple way of representing complex ideas or qualities; however, like Rorschach ink-blot tests, they can be perceived differently. An effective symbol represents and expresses a quality or an idea in a meaningful way. In order for this to occur, the schema, or framework, within which the symbol operates must be known to and understood by the viewer. A symbol must also have the general consent of those using it that it actually represents something real in fact, thought, or deed. It must be inclusive. For example, if a member of Canada’s Olympic team decided that he or she wanted to create a new symbol for the team based on a personal experience or perception, and did so arbitrarily and alone, the symbol would have no meaning to anyone but to that person. Others would not recognize it because they would not have the schema within which to place the symbol. It is safe to say that Canadians in general understand the schema of the red maple leaf on the Canadian flag.

Symbols are intricately woven into our daily lives in a way that is at times invisible to us. Language is considered symbolic. For example, semiology is a field of study that examines signs or symbols in language. Some linguists claim that language operates on two levels: the conscious and the subconscious. Generally speaking, when one hears the word rose, one visualizes the flower in more or less the same way as others do. This is the conscious representation in the mind, while there may be an subconscious response that is unique to each individual. For some it may suggest the romance of Valentine’s Day and all the feelings and sensations that the individual has experienced in the past as a result of the event. For others, the word may suggest a memory, perhaps that of a single rose sadly placed on a casket before burial. The word therefore would evoke different feelings and thoughts. Furthermore, symbols can have public as well as private meanings and can be public and private at the same time. The symbolic red poppy worn on Remembrance Day is a good example.

There are also cultural symbols that, for non-members of a particular culture, may be difficult to interpret because they do not have the cultural schema in which to place the symbol. For example, the story of Laura Secord has a universal theme—heroism—but has a particularly Canadian symbolic meaning: loyalty to and defence of Canada. Without a knowledge of Canadian history or the experience of simply living in Canada and being exposed to her story, the symbolism would not be understood. As a further example, compare the cultural symbolism of Benedict Arnold to citizens of the United States. Or indeed the symbolic meaning of the term America to the various nations around the world, especially in this hemisphere.

Many academics who study popular culture believe symbols are the strongest and most permeating medium for communicating meaning and therefore effecting change in human communication and human relations. Symbols serve as the matrix or environment in which social beings evolve.

Discussion
As a class, brainstorm as many symbols as you can, especially those that have the most personal meaning for you. Consider also symbols such as trademarks, insignias of your favourite sports teams, or musical groups, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), traffic signs, and so on. Analyze each symbol. Decide if the symbol is universal in meaning, national, or of only local significance. Is it related to politics, religion, entertainment, commerce, or some other area of interest? What, if any, is the emotional or connotative message of each symbol?