what do u mean when you say a word is a symbol?

Language and Perception

Words are arbitrary . Because of this characteristic , words tend to have more than one meaning . More so , there exists a very complex relationship that bonds words to ts meanings and this is called semantics . Usually meanings of words ' are categorized as denotative or connotative (Megginson Connotations and Denotations . Denotation is the dictionary meaning of a word or the literal definition of a word (Fu Jen University Poetic Elements . In addition , a denotative meaning is the real meaning of a word . It does not suggests another or other meanings aside from

its actual definition . Meanwhile , the associations which are related to a particular word or the emotions linked to a specific word is called connotation (Blurit .com Can You State The Difference Between Connotation And Denotation . It is a type of meaning derived from the implications of the word which are most often than not emotional in nature ' that is caused by personal reactions or sentiments about the word . In short denotation is a simple and straightforward meaning of a word while connotation is the personal association of feelings or concepts to a specific word (Fu Jen University Poetic Elements . A clear example of the difference between a denotative and connotative meaning is the word snake . If you look at the dictionary , snake is defined as limbless scaly , elongate reptiles of the sub Serpentes , comprising venomous and nonvenomous species inhabiting tropical and temperate areas (Dictionary .com Snake . To determine the connotative meaning of the word snake , one must think of associations connected to snake such as treachery , evil or temptation which were probably based on the story of Adam and Eve where they were both seduced by a snake to commit a sin which is to disobey God 's will . Because this , varying connotations are generated thus snake gained multiple meanings

On the other hand , language cannot be understood without knowing or experiencing the real world (Waltz 149 . It serves as a tool to grasp the complexities of human interaction and its surroundings by defining it into a familiar and comprehensible medium . More so , perception is best comprehended if there is a language system . Meanwhile , language is needed in to express a certain perception . Language and perception have a symbiotic relationship wherein one can 't be understood without the other . In short , perception is expressed through language while language is described by perception (149 . In my life , language is essential in translating my ideas so that other people would understand me when I 'm interacting with them . For example , my passion for music can 't be expressed by just having musical instruments or listening to wordless songs . I have to articulate my passion through words so that other people would directly understand it and in return I could also learn from other people 's perception about music thus beefing up my ideas about music through communicating . Also , through the lyrics of songs , I can fully comprehend the meaning or purpose of the song Sometimes , songs can have...