On Symbols and Signs

In the symbol entry culled from Wikipedia, a symbol is defined as "something such as an object, picture, written word, sound, or particular mark that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention." An abstract idea or concept and its corresponding realization are joined together to form a symbol.  This synthesis is evident from the etymology of the ancient Greek word symbolon, meaning "to throw together," a literal "co-incidence" between two halves of the same whole.

Taken further, the "co-incidence" of a symbol can lead to the embodiment of several levels of representation.  Language is a prime example of a multi-level symbol.  Simply put, words are symbolic of both the phonetic sound strung together with vowels and consonants, as well as the image that the word itself is referent to.  When the a person utters the word "dogs," a listener who does not undestand English would hear the sounds of the consonants d, g, s and the vowel o in combination.  A listener who speaks English, on the other hand, would immediately understand the speaker is referring to a particular member of the Canidae family.

The imminent German psychologist, Carl Jung, suggested another definition for a symbol.  For him, as symbol is used to "stand for something that is unknown and that cannot be made clear or precise." He differentiates it from a sign, which he deems as a referent to something that is already known.  With this definition, language becomes a sign (i.e. "dogs" refers to an already known object) vis-a-vis the Filipino tradition of the mano, which becomes a symbol for respect for the elders or those in power and authority (nagmamano sa pari).

So what's the point of this post?

Nothing much really.  I just thought that some brain-farting accompanied by the requisite word vommiting would be fun for first post of the year!

WAHAHAAHAHAHAHA

P.S. New year, new look. How's that for a symbol sign? ;)