Symbolic Interactionism

One of the most interesting features of being a human is our ability to use language to communicate with one another. It is simpler to understand this theory by keeping the term 'meaning' and 'interpretation' in mind. George Herbert Mead is one of the founders of symbolic interactionism and the key to understanding how people view the world and to communicate with one another is through 'symbols'. He developed a concept called the 'self' - a concept that helps explain how an individual form his/her identity by interacting with the society. The self can be seen by 2 views: I & Me. According to Griffin (2012), “Herbert Blumer coined the term symbolic interactionism [and]… stated 3 core principles of symbolic interactionism that deal with meaning, language and thinking… [The explanations for each principle is] humans act toward people or things on the basis of the meanings they assign to those people or things, meaning arises out of the social interaction that people have with each other, and an individual’s interpretation of symbols is modified by his or her own thought processes” (p. 54-58).

Language itself is a symbol. I will use a common sign which can be seen most commonly in public places such as restaurants, malls, university campus, etc.

Whatever language one speaks, sure enough one would understand what the above symbol stands for. How do we manage to understand and interpret the meaning of it? By applying this theory to this example, one would know what it means because we have 'shared meaning'. The society in which we live in would acknowledge what the symbol above would mean even though we were never taught formally the meaning behind it.

The stick of lighted cigarette has a red slash which overlaps the middle part of it as if to say "NO SMOKING". Thus, one should know that it is forbidden to light a cigarette in such areas.

This theory is one of the most simplest theories to understand because it is all about interpretation of meaning. Meaning is language. Language is symbolic. Therefore, if meaning is shared.. then individuals will be able to communicate with one another through language. Also, as individuals we are able to create an identity and understanding of the self is made through reflection of the self by other's perception and judgment. Meanings could shape attitudes and behaviors and as stated by Turner & West (2010), our actions may be influenced based on "meanings that we assign to people or things and events". (p. 79)

References:

Griffin, E. (2012). A first look at communication theory. New York: McGraw-Hill

West, R & Turner, L., H. (2010). Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application (4th Ed). New York: McGraw-Hill

Woo, C. (2012). Lecture Slides. AC-1201 Introduction to Communication. Universiti Brunei Darussalam