Symbols
- It refers to any object, word or action that stands for something else.
- A symbol’s meaning may or may not have a direct connection to what it represents.
- Its meaning is assigned and agreed upon by a society or a culture.
Symbolism
- It refers to the use of symbols to represent abstract ideas and concepts.
- It helps define relationships between different parts of a narrative giving them deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.
Functions
- Symbols and symbolism are often used in the following ways:
- They can be used to transfer culture, ideologies or beliefs from one to another.
- They can be used to preserve traditions and beliefs of a certain group of people.
- They also hold “hidden meanings/values” which is much more important than what it literally represents.
- They are used to create movements, spread ideas, and share advocacies.
Types
- Symbols can be classified into one of four types: cultural, social, political, and economic.
- Cultural: this type signifies the ideology within a particular culture.
- Social: this type relates to human society and its modes of organization.
- Political: this type is used to represent a political standpoint
- Economic: used in the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.