Symbols: Words are symbols, which are arbitrary, ambiguous, abstract representations
of other phenomena
Arbitrary: Words are not intrinsically connected to what they represent. Meanings of
words can change over time. The arbitrary character allows us to invent new words. It
also allows us to make up special words or to attach unconventional meanings to
words. Most groups have some in-group terms that are understood only by its
members.
Ambiguous: What they mean is not clear-cut. Because symbols are ambiguous, there
is no guarantee that people will agree on what words mean. The ambiguity of language
can lead to misunderstandings between friends and romantic partners. It can also
create confusion in the workplace.
Abstract: They are not concrete or tangible. Words stand for ideas, people, events,
objects, feelings, and so forth, but they are not the things they represent. Becomes
confusing as it gets more abstract. One way this happens is through overgeneralization.
Communication v. Communications
Communication is something that we do on a daily basis. Communications, on the
