Here's why:
* Culture: Our culture teaches us the meanings of symbols, actions, and words. A thumbs-up in America means "good job" or "okay," but in some Middle Eastern countries, it's considered offensive. Similarly, words and phrases have different meanings in different cultures.
* Socialization: We learn to interpret symbols, actions, and words through interaction with others. Parents, teachers, friends, and communities all contribute to our understanding of these elements.
* Experience: Our personal experiences shape our understanding of meaning. A child who has never seen a rose may not understand the symbol of love associated with it. Similarly, an adult who has faced hardship might interpret a particular phrase differently than someone who hasn't.
Of course, other factors also play a role:
* Individual Cognition: Our own cognitive abilities and learning styles influence how we process and understand meaning.
* Context: The situation in which a symbol, action, or word is used can significantly impact its meaning.
While all these factors contribute, it's shared cultural knowledge that provides the foundational framework for understanding the meaning of symbols, actions, and words.