Chapter 4: Symbolic Ambiguity

The fourth chapter of the book explains how communication, and symbols within communication are often associated with ambiguity or uncertainty. This is because there are so many different ways to respond, react, or interpret information. The text used the example of the dictionary, and even though there are standardized definitions, there are still multiple, agreed-upon meanings for different words. Not only that, but what I might see/hear, could greatly differ from what someone else is looking at/hearing based on our own interpretations, backgrounds, and experiences.


The author also relates communication and symbolism to Christianity. While Christians agree that Jesus lived, died on the cross, was resurrected three days later, and will return to Earth, different aspects of Christianity are disagreed on, due to different perspectives, cultures, experiences, and so on.


I think this idea is extremely fascinating. What I think of, write, or speak has the potential to be 100% than the person that is experiencing something with me.


Crazy.


Speaking of symbols, and symbolic ambiguity, I looked up some optical illusions online to help demonstrate the main idea of the chapter. :)






Is this a sad clown? Or a princess?

(zzz3167_50_Optical_Illusions.php)






Just trees? Or is it a woman?

(http://www.desicomments.com/tag/dhillon/?r_sortby=highest_rated&r_orderby=desc)

Are the dice lying flat, or is one end sticking up?

(http://www.sharenator.com/profile/stephen7/comments/)


Where did the floor go?

http://www.innocentenglish.com/funny-amazing-pictures-videos/optical-illusions-3d/amazing-optical-illusions.html

Where are the colors going?

(http://www.innocentenglish.com/funny-amazing-pictures-videos/optical-illusions-3d/amazing-optical-illusions.html)

Although illusions and symbols can be fun, it is important for us, as communicators, to always give clear and concise language that everyone--hopefully-- will understand.