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Symbolism IV

Symbolic Shapes, Flags, Names, and Colors

by Don L. F. Nilsenand Alleen Pace Nilsen

The Importance of Allusion and Symbolism in the Field of Socio-Linguistics

In studying the language of social systems, Socio-Linguists must deal with “salience,” “Agenda,” “Intent,” “Allusion,” “Symbolism” and the “Collective Unconscious.

“Salience” refers to the importance or significance of concepts in a social system.

“Agenda” investigates how this significance affects behavior.

“Intent” investigates how our behaviors are affected by our needs and desires.

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“Allusion” refers to those concepts in a social system that people refer to frequently.

“Symbolism” results when the allusions become so important that they have can affect behavior in serious ways.

Many important symbols can be found in religion and in politics. Flags, for example, relate to patriotism at the national level, and regionalism at the local level. The “confederacy” is an example of regionalism. So is the concept of “Texas.”

“Collective Unconscious” is when a symbol is important enough to cross generations. It is a term coined by Carl Jung.

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Opposing Visual Symbolism:People with Their Heads in the Sand about Global Warming

vs. The Reverse of Global Warming

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International Symbols

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Place Names

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Shape Symbolism

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The Union Jack: England (St. George Cross)& Scotland (St. Andrews blue)

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Australian & New Zealand Ontario & British Columbia

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Fleur de Lis: FranceQuebec & New Orleans Saints (Drew Brees)

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Confederate Flag and Confederate Battle Flag

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Flags of the Confederate States: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama

Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, VirginiaArkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee

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England’s Exit from the European Union

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And then there’s Texas:

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Recycled Names

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More Recycled Names

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Martin Luther & Martin Luther King

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Theodore Seuss GeiselPen Names: Dr. Seuss, Theo LeSieg & Rosetta Stone

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Mohammad (no picture available) & Mohammad Ali

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Edgar Alan Poe lived, died and wrote most of his poetry in Baltimore, Maryland

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Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo and Michelangelo

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Super Heros: Superman, Batman, Iron Man, Spiderman, Wonder Woman & Captain America

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Super Villains: Lord Voldemort, Darth Vader & The Joker

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Color Symbolism

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Orange is the New Black

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The Greening of Americaand ASU Parking Lot

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Motley Color Symbolismfor the Clown

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Color & Facial-Expression Symbolism in the Pixar Movie Inside Out

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The “White” HouseGay-Pride Colors

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