It is important to represent language accurately so that the human mind can articulate and convey the knowledge. If the culture and traditions are different, then how accurate are these representations? For example, in India, the ancient Indian societies believed that snake represent a symbol of strength and might. Its venom was used for medical purposes and saved many lives. Also the word snake is synonymous with wealth, prosperity, and royalty. The snake was so respected in parts of India; many East Indian and Middle Eastern dances contain movement of a snake that reflects its importance to the culture (Mehta). The word snake is not the same interpretations in the United States because the people here live in a western culture, than in an Indian culture. Also, the word snake for the people in United States is perceived to provide a scary feeling when confronting a snake. Those who have been raised in India can share and understand the true meaning of snake vs. other cultures that might have different meanings and/or may not understand this concept. Therefore, the really question is “what does the word snake means? Depending on the culture it can have diverse meaning (Essay).
Therefore, finding a precise representation of the way things are is difficult. However, if there were a homogenous culture and language, it would be easier to give accurate representation about certain things. But the problem with having a homogenous language is that there would still not be an accurate representation about things. For example, English is derived from Anglo-Saxons, but it has been modified several times before it reached twenty first century. Language also signifies power, and with this power, there are two types of languages positive and negative that can have different affect on people and the society. Therefore, symbolic representation won’t be accurate, because the interpretation would be different in many ways, in a homogenous language (Essay).
For many years, captains of various boat and vessels have used maps and compasses as symbolic representations to obtain accurate information regarding their journey. However, today society, maps are a necessary part for traveling, either by sea, air or on land. The biggest problem with maps is that it doesn’t at time provide accurate representation. For example, during the 1492 almost everyone was sure that between Europe and India there was nothing but water. However, when Columbus borrowed money from the Queen, and went out to explore and he discovered America. From Europe to America, Columbus did not find anything land or continents. How sure are we that Columbus missed a small island in the Atlantic Ocean? Therefore, I can easily say that many things that are obvious may not as perceived. Maps can be helpful for many travelers, but I guarantee you that it doesn’t give us a precise representation of the way things are (Essay).
A precise representation of how things are can be said to be photographs. Photographs illustrate the truth. The chief aim, when taking a photograph is to represent the incident the way it is. Along with every, symbolic representation, there is a problem. The problem with photographs is that they are unfair, not only by the photographers who might deliberately or inadvertently make it appear as something that in truth may not exist. But as well, by the analyst who may misunderstand a photograph (Essay).
Many photographs only show what he/she wants the audience to see. For example, if the government of Germany wants to make an advertisement of the Holocaust, they will probably take picture of the events that won’t so shocking to the public and leave out the torture of the Jews, and the concentration camps. We will never know accurately, what we want to know about the Holocaust. Photographs can be an example because they don’t give the accurately of how things really are. People often say “a picture is worth more than a thousand words,” and that it entitles everyone to have their own interpretation. However, the cultures and traditions could be different therefore the truth may not be the same for every one, meaning there is no real truth (Essay).
Pictures were used as propaganda in World War I and World War II. It was normal for photographs to fix these pictures when these pictures were concealed throughout the country. Today, modern technology allows us to use computers and scanners to fix pictures. The question we need to ask ourselves is. Do photographers really show what they intend to show? This question can only be answered by what the photographs aims to do, and the interruption of the photographs (Essay).
Symbolic representation is also known as statistic, therefore, it is suppose to be accurately represented of how things should be interpreted. So, how precise are statistic? Reality is seen through statistics. But how do we know what reality really is? Who really knows what reality is? Each day is a mystery and at the end we have unanswered questions, about what the past, present, and what the future hold for us. No one really knows if it’s an illusion or a dream. Statistics aren’t accurate mainly because they are examined by several of people, so the views will also change the representation of how things are viewed as. Also statistics are numbers and personal situations, which are represented through the simplifications frequently made by people. Therefore, a precise perception of reality is not possible, when we get an idea of fact (Essay).
One of the most successful ways to comprehend the world we live in, can be best described by the symbolic representation such as language, statistics, maps and photographs, even though they don’t give an accurate representation of actuality. Many symbolic representations may be unfair, badly denoted or mistakenly intentioned, but it is up to us to attempt to understand them in the finest way we can in order to get a little bit closer to what we think reality really is (Essay).
Work Cited
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“Essay Example 1.” 2002. <>
- Metha, Lila. Anklet for a Princess. California: Shen’s Books, 2003
