Here's a breakdown:
Contextual Sign:
* Meaning depends on the situation: The sign's meaning is fluid and can change depending on the context.
* Not fixed or universal: The meaning is not inherently tied to the sign itself, but rather derived from the surrounding circumstances.
* Often nonverbal: While verbal language can be contextual, nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions are often more contextual.
Examples of Contextual Signs:
* A frown: This can mean sadness, anger, or concentration depending on the situation.
* A raised hand: This could indicate a question, a request to speak, or a greeting depending on the context.
* A traffic light: The colors (red, yellow, green) have specific meanings only within the context of traffic control.
Conventional Sign:
* Fixed meaning: The sign has a consistent, agreed-upon meaning across different contexts.
* Universal or widely understood: The meaning is not dependent on the situation but is generally understood by most people.
* Often verbal: Words and symbols like letters and numbers are generally conventional signs.
Examples of Conventional Signs:
* The word "cat": This word always refers to the same animal, regardless of the situation.
* A stop sign: This sign always means the same thing - stop your vehicle.
* A traffic light: The shape of the light (round) is a conventional sign.
Understanding the difference between contextual and conventional signs is important because it helps us interpret meaning accurately in different situations.