PROF RACHMAT KRIYANTONO (PROF RK): SIMBOL, TANDA, IKON & INDEKS- BUKU PENGANTAR LENGKAP KOMUNIKASI

Summary

In this lecture, the concept of symbols in communication is explored, emphasizing their role in representing ideas, objects, or concepts. Symbols can be verbal (words and language) or nonverbal (gestures, body movements, and physical objects). The meaning of symbols is subjective, influenced by individual backgrounds, cultural contexts, and psychological states. The lecture discusses how symbols shape our perceptions, and how their meanings vary across different settings and groups. Key examples include cultural differences in gestures and behaviors, such as eating with the left hand, and how symbols like colors or clothing choices can have different interpretations based on context.

Takeaways

• 😀 Symbols represent objects, ideas, or concepts beyond the symbol itself, allowing for communication across different contexts.
• 😀 Symbols can be verbal (words, phrases) or nonverbal (gestures, facial expressions, objects), and both carry significant meaning.
• 😀 The meaning of symbols can vary depending on cultural, social, and personal contexts, influencing how they are interpreted.
• 😀 Nonverbal symbols like gestures or body language, such as using the left hand for eating, can have different meanings in different cultures.
• 😀 Physical proximity in communication, like the distance between a boss and employee, can symbolize hierarchy or closeness.
• 😀 Symbols can also be influenced by psychological factors, such as wealth, with luxury cars symbolizing different perceptions depending on one's social context.
• 😀 The relationship between individuals can alter the interpretation of symbols, with close friends interpreting informal language differently from strangers.
• 😀 Symbols are dynamic and subject to change based on social agreements, evolving over time within specific cultural or social contexts.
• 😀 Different cultures can assign unique meanings to the same symbol, as illustrated by the Indonesian flag being a symbol of national pride, while red and white may have a different meaning elsewhere.
• 😀 Symbols can be classified as 'signs' in semiotics, which include symbols, icons (physical representations), and indices (cause-effect relationships).
• 😀 Understanding symbols requires examining their context—physical, cultural, psychological—and how they shape communication in real life.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the transcript?

The main focus of the transcript is on symbols, how they are used in communication, and how their meanings can vary based on cultural, social, psychological, and contextual factors.

How is a symbol defined in the transcript?

A symbol is defined as anything used by humans to represent or refer to an object, idea, or concept beyond the symbol itself. It can take both verbal (words or phrases) and nonverbal forms (gestures, facial expressions, physical objects).

What is the difference between a symbol and the object it represents?

A symbol is a representation of an object, idea, or concept but is different from the object itself. For example, the word 'spidol' (marker) is a symbol, but it is different from the actual marker object.

How can the meaning of a symbol differ between individuals?

The meaning of a symbol depends on factors such as cultural background, social context, personal experiences, and the specific situation in which the symbol is used.

Can you give an example of how cultural background influences the meaning of a symbol?

Yes, in the Islamic tradition, eating with the left hand is considered improper, which would be a negative symbol for Muslims. However, in Western cultures, using the left hand for eating is not seen as a problem.

What is the significance of physical context in interpreting symbols?

Physical context, such as the proximity between individuals, can affect how symbols are interpreted. For instance, if a boss and an employee sit far apart, it may symbolize a distant or formal relationship.

What role does psychological context play in symbol interpretation?

Psychological context affects how symbols are perceived based on individual mental states. For example, a student seeing a luxury car might interpret it as a symbol of wealth, but someone envious might see it as a sign of arrogance.

How does social context influence the meaning of symbols?

Social context, such as relationships in families or friendships, can influence how symbols are understood. For example, two close friends might interpret casual language differently than strangers would.

What is meant by the term 'symbols as a social agreement'?

Symbols can be the result of a social agreement or collective understanding within a specific group. An example is the national flag, which holds significant meaning in a particular culture, like Indonesia's red and white flag, which symbolizes national pride.

What are the three types of signs mentioned in the transcript?

The three types of signs mentioned are symbols, icons, and indexes. Symbols represent something through convention or agreement, icons physically resemble what they represent, and indexes have a natural, causal relationship with what they signify.