Symbolic Sign

A symbolic sign is a type of sign that represents an idea, concept, or object through an agreed-upon symbol or image, rather than resembling it directly. For example, national flags symbolize countries, and traffic signs like a red stop sign convey specific instructions universally. These signs rely on shared understanding and cultural context so viewers recognize the intended meaning quickly. Unlike iconic signs that resemble their referent, symbolic signs depend on learned meaning and conventions, making them effective for communication across different languages and cultures.