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I think that stretches the definition a little too far. A warning sign of that type is different from textual symbols in that it's readily understandable to som
by wutbrodo 11y ago
I think that stretches the definition a little too far. A warning sign of that type is different from textual symbols in that it's readily understandable to someone seeing it for the first time. I agree with the author's thesis in general but that is a rather good exception to point out.
- doctorstupid 11y agoYou raise an interesting point. Perhaps we shouldn't stipulate that a symbol must be understood the first time - the meaning of most symbols are probably taught in some way - but rather that once learned, the meaning is unambiguous. The silhouette of a shark on a beach sign is quite unambiguous, whereas an artist's illustration of a shark may be open to interpretation. In other words, perhaps it is the level of ambiguity which distinguishes symbols from other graphic forms.