According to the Bedford Glossary, a sign is something that stands for something else. Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure said that linguistic signs, specifically, tend to link a concept and sound pattern. For instance, when we say “Hi,” we recognize that word as a greeting. In Japanese, the word “Hai,” which is pronounced the same way, means “yes.” Saussure also believes that the meaning of a sign comes from the difference between it and other signs in the same linguistic system. With that being said, whether it be linguistic or not, what sign do you know of that may mean one thing to Americans, but something totally different in another language or culture? How do they contrast?
ENGL 299 | Intro to English Studies
Dr. Myra Seaman | Spring 2017
As stated by Ferdinand de Saussure, “differences in language make meanings recognizable…” (476). Although, the word “Gift” may be spelt the same in English and German cultures, they have completely contrasting meanings. In English, the word “Gift” usually means a present received for a number of different reasons. Even though the word in the English language symbolizes an offering, that is not the case for the German population. When referring to a “Gift” in Germany, one considers it as poison and something that others should avoid at all costs. These contrast because of the fact that while one gift is proudly accepted and appreciated, the other is rejected for its hateful and deathly purposes.
Though I guess it’s fairly easy to connect that similar sounds carry different meanings depending on how a culture decides to associate meaning to that specific sound, what came to my mind first is differences in body language across different cultures. I mean, some are universal – – a smile is a smile whereever you go – – but how people determine the connotations behind things like duration eye contact or physical proximity seems to differ probably according to environmental circumstances. Example: the hand gesture where the pinky and index finger of one hand are extended my be a cue to continue rocking on in Texas, but an indicate that someone is being cuckold in Brazil.
Something I learned through meeting people from other countries is that apparently the “V-Sign” or the “Peace Sign” can be seen having 2 different meanings. If the palm is facing the person giving the attempted peace sign, people in England may see this as giving them the middle finger. This is an absurd idea in America, as the peace sign is seen the same either way, however the direction the palm is facing is quite the matter of importance when speaking with some people from England. “Symbols do not involve natural or inherent relationships to what they suggest but, rather, arbitrary socially and culturally determined relationships.” (476) Anything can become a sign for something if people create a culture around something, it’s just about creating the symbolism through an idea or object, like a peace sign.
To build on the example made in the “The Theory Toolbox” of the difference between the American definition of football and the English definition of football, I find there are many, many words that mean two entirely different things in England and America. For example while braces to Americans are metal bands straightening teeth in Britain it’s the word use to mean clothing Americans call suspenders. While a biscuit in Britain refers to a backed good in American it stands for a buttery, flakey bread. Americans would use the word cookie. Also while a “Fancy Dress” Party in Britain is what Americans know as a costume party, Americans would interpret the invitation as a party requiring formal dress. I find these distinct differences even more interesting considering the United Kingdom and the United States have very similar society structure and a strongly shared language.
In America giving someone the middle finger is seen as an obscene hand gesture. We use it to signify extreme anger and as a sign of disrespect. In other cultures, giving someone the middle finger has no meaning. Instead of the middle finger, what we know as the “peace sign” has the same derogatory meaning in the U.K, Australia, and New Zealand (when the back of the hand is showing. I think it’s a good example of how meaning is given to something, and then agreed upon by everyone in the area.