The Components of Culture: Symbols

Definition: A symbol is anything that represents something else.

Symbols exist for countries… Each of the following symbols is associated with a particular country or region of the world. Do you know what this is?

How about this?

Or this?

Do you know where this is from?

Or this?

Some symbols are widely recognized…

Others are common, but not global.

Do you think someone who wasn’t an American would understand these?

Do you, as an American, know what these symbols represent?

Remember that the same symbol is rarely used globally. For example, an American might say that this is a symbol of prestige:

But in other parts of the world, these are also prestige symbols. How might these be signs of prestige?

Even a person can be a symbol.

Sometimes a symbol seems simple enough, such as a flag. What does this flag represent?

But even one symbol can have several different meanings. Sometimes it depends on the situation in which the symbol is used.

What do these flags symbolize?

Symbols can also be controversial.

Why might this symbol be contested around the world? What does this symbol represent?

Gestures are another type of symbol. How many gestures do you know for the following ideas? “We won!” “You’re late!” “Go away.” “I’m full.”

What ideas are being communicated by these gestures? Do you think these mean the same thing in all places?

To Summarize: Symbols represent something else. A symbol can be a sign, a place, a gesture, or even a person. A symbol can be local, regional, national, or international. Each culture has its own unique symbols. Symbols are often controversial.