HOW CULTURE AND LANGUAGE SHAPE SYMBOLIC MEANING: A LINGUISTIC EXPLORATION
Keywords:
Symbol, Cultural Linguistics, Meaning Construction, Semiotics, Language and Culture, Identity, Social Representation, Symbolic Meaning, Cultural Context, Shared ExperienceAbstract
This article delves into the complex nature of symbols from a cultural-linguistic perspective, arguing that their meaning is not inherent but is rather constructed through shared cultural experiences, linguistic conventions, and social interactions. Moving beyond a purely representational understanding, the article explores how symbols are dynamically interwoven with language, narratives, and rituals, serving as powerful tools for identity formation, social cohesion, and the transmission of cultural values. It examines the dynamic and fluid nature of symbolic meaning, emphasizing how context, historical shifts, and intercultural exchanges contribute to ongoing reinterpretation and transformation. Through illustrative examples, this analysis underscores the critical role of cultural linguistics in unpacking the layered meanings embedded within symbols and their impact on human perception and social realities. Ultimately, the article highlights symbols as active agents in the making of culture and shared understanding, requiring an approach that recognizes their inherent dynamism and contextual dependencies.
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