Symbolic communications are demonstrated by the clothes we wear and the accessories we possess. Language includes non-verbal as well as verbal symbolic communications. All communication with others is symbolic communication and involves the use of language, sound, bodily gesture and expression. Symbolic communication is demonstrated by the cars we drive. The most important aspects of symbolic communication are the words we use. The oldest surviving symbolic communications of humans are graffiti that were scratched or painted on protected rock surfaces. The earliest traces of symbolic communications are found in cave paintings. These symbolic communications remind us of the depth of the human investment in visual expression and the range and power of symbolic communications.
The theory of 'Veblen Effects' arise from the desire to achieve social status by signaling wealth through conspicuous consumption or inconspicuous consumption. Sociality is both necessary and sufficient for symbolic communications to get off the ground. Other related concepts to Symbolic communications is Counter-Veblen Effect.
Terrence W. Deacon believes the complex symbolic communication ability possessed by humans, is the driving force for language evolution. According to Deacon, humans more or less discover language during the exploration of the complex relationship between symbols and what they refer to in the real world.
Symbolic communications are the things that we have given meaning to and that represent a certain idea we have in place, for example, the American flag is a symbol that represent freedom for the Americans themselves, or imperialism and evil for some other countries.
Iconic Communication: an annotated biography - Huggins W. H. & Entwisle D. R. (1974). Huggins asserts that: Iconic communication deals mainly with non-verbal symbolic communications between human beings by the use of visual signs and representations that stand for an idea by virtue of resemblance or analogy to it in contrast to symbolic communications where the meaning of a symbol is entirely nominal.
Prof. Oswald on symbolic
communications
During the past 10 years or so, brand strategy researchers have come to recognize the
importance of brand communication in building and sustaining brand equity — the value
attached to a brand, name or logo that supercedes product attributes and differentiates
brands in the competitive arena.
PT 155 Dream, Fantasy
and Symbolic Communications - R. Rothman.
Course Description: This course studies Sigmund Freud's
concept of the wish-fulfilling concept of dreams along with some of the current
neurobiological research on dreaming. The student will be able to acquaint students with the language of the
unconscious (condensation, reversal, visual imagery, symbolic communication, etc.) and its
appearance in myths, fairy tales, dreams, delusions, symptoms and
creative works; and develop skill in working with the unconscious. A paper on a topic relating to the psychoanalysis
of dreams, fantasy and symbolic communication which the student wishes to study in depth.