According to the Theory Toolbox, the simplest definition of agency is “the power do something.” While we may each have our own power to do something that we desire, the agency to do so is determined by contextual sources instead of “from within.” It’s important in helping us develop who we are, but our agency is not without limit. The book cites wealth, racial identity, and career choices as examples of a factor and/or representation of ones agency. What are some other examples that could hint or reveal someone’s supposed agency? Why does that example supposedly give someone more or less power to do something?

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?