Here's a breakdown of why language is symbolic:
1. Arbitrariness: There's no inherent connection between a word and the thing it refers to. For example, the word "tree" doesn't sound like a tree, smell like a tree, or look like a tree. It's only because we agree to associate the sound "tree" with the image of a tree that it has meaning.
2. Convention: The meaning of words is based on shared understanding within a linguistic community. Different languages use different sounds to represent the same concept. "Tree" in English is "arbre" in French, "Baum" in German, and "дерево" (derevo) in Russian.
3. Displacement: Language allows us to talk about things that are not present in the immediate context. We can discuss events from the past, imagine future scenarios, or talk about abstract concepts that have no physical form.
4. Productivity: Language allows us to create new words and sentences to express an infinite number of ideas. We can combine existing words to form new meanings, and we can create new words to describe novel concepts.
5. Reflexivity: Language allows us to use language to talk about language itself. We can discuss grammar, syntax, and the meaning of words.
In summary, the symbolic nature of language makes it a powerful tool for communication. It allows us to share complex thoughts, ideas, and emotions across cultures and time. The arbitrariness, conventionality, and flexibility of language make it a constantly evolving and dynamic system.