Signs, symbols, and humans
Signs, symbols, and humans
Muse #204 - every one of us is a walking billboard
We humans love signs and symbols. Out of which has arisen the spoken and written language. So that we could think and make meaning. We label everything that we sense - see, smell, touch, feel. I wonder how humans used to think before languages were prevalent. But, one would never know.
A couple of days ago, I read that Elon Musk is working with someone to launch a satellite with a billboard on its side. And it would stream these ads through the internet with a camera on the outside. We are that “sign” crazy. But, I am going offtopic.
Recently I have been catching up on the basics of semiotics - the science of signs, symbols, and languages. Some would argue that linguistics includes semiotics and others the opposite. But this learning has been invaluable and fascinating. And a great book to start that I heartily recommend is Daniel Chandler’s textbook “Semiotics - the basics” and a second book “Introducing Semiotics: A Graphic Guide”
Now, I shall come back to my own original idea and learning from these readings - we humans are walking billboards of signs and symbols. Let me explain. Even though we use language to communicate, the meaning made by the receiver is based on their interpretation. Not only do we receive the words, but we also receive the visual stimulation from the environment which adds context to those words.
And the behavior, expression, the emotion of the sender is part of what we receive as signs and symbols and therefore are part of the interpretation that we make when we process the information received and make meaning of it. That is why I call humans “walking billboards” an interesting metaphor that I would be reusing in my teachings and coaching. It is a different and interesting perspective when we look at all humans as having constantly radiating shiny billboards built into us all. Including when I look at myself in the mirror.
Source:
A Billboard Will Show Ads From Space, But You Won't Be Able To See It In The Sky - https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/1026365725/spacex-billboard-ads-satellite-orbit-livestream-space-tiny-gec-cubesat
Semiotics: The Basics 3rd Edition, by Daniel Chandler - https://www.amazon.com/Semiotics-Basics-Daniel-Chandler-ebook-dp-B071GRNL6C/dp/B071GRNL6C/
Introducing Semiotics: A Graphic Guide //www.amazon.com/Introducing-Semiotics-Graphic-Guide-ebook/dp/B00OZHQF8K/