Introduction
Symbols are an essential component of communication and play a significant role in shaping how individuals perceive and understand the world around them. In the context of government communication and public relations (PR), symbols communicate important messages, establish mutually understood meanings, and foster a sense of confidence between the public and various government agencies (Capizzo, 2018; Petro, 2018).
In particular, according to Goransson and Fagerholm (2018), cultural symbols hold special importance within a particular culture or society, and they can act as potent instruments for influencing public opinion and fostering greater understanding. This research paper will explore the importance of symbols in communication, focusing on the use of symbols in government communication and PR, and on cultural symbols of the Arab world.
Cultural Symbols
Symbols of culture may take the form of images or other sensory signals, used to reflect the norms, customs, and beliefs of a specific society or group of people. They may be found in art, literature, music, and other types of cultural expression. These symbols can take the form of pictures, colors, sounds, or various types of indications. In Arab culture, the crescent moon is a notable example of a cultural symbol.
Since the crescent moon is a sign of the Muslim religion, it may be used to express a notion linked with the Muslim faith without describing it in depth. These symbols are often endowed with profound importance and meaning, and they have the potential to act as potent instruments for eliciting feelings and memories, in addition to bolstering a sense of cultural identity.
Government Communication and PR
By acting as shared signals in the form of sight or sound that represent a culture or civilization, symbols play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among members of a population (Edensor, 2020). Community members may develop a sense of pride and belonging via their participation, which benefits the community’s overall social cohesiveness (Pacher, 2018).
Symbols can be utilized in the communication and public relations efforts of governments to shape the public’s perception of government policies and activities, and cultivate a favorable image of the government among its constituents (Reddi, 2019). Symbols can influence how people think and feel about the government. Eventually, they may influence public opinion when they do so by evoking positive feelings and associations. Additionally, Hidayat et al. (2018) state that they may also be used to simplify and explain difficult material by functioning as visual cues that can assist people in understanding and remembering essential information. This can be done by using them in a way that helps people grasp and retain the information.
Specificity of Arab culture, its symbols, and their use in communication and government communication. Many symbols are used in Arab culture, the vast majority of which have deep roots in the region’s history, religion, and traditional practices. According to Jing (2020), these symbols have been passed down through the ages and continue to play an essential role in the cultural identity of the Arab people to this day (Erzikova et al., 2018).
Some examples of cultural symbols in Arab culture include the crescent moon and star, which is often associated with Islam and used on the flags of many Arab countries; the Hamsa, a symbol of protection that is common in the region; and traditional Arabic calligraphy, which is used to decorate everything from buildings to textiles (Arab Academy, 2022).
The development of a sense of national identity and cultural legacy, as well as the consolidation of the Arab people’s shared values, beliefs, and customs, is significantly aided by the significant role symbols play in Arab culture (Bonvillain, 2019). The purpose of employing these symbols in the government’s communication with society is to build social cohesion and generate a positive image of the government among the people it represents (Lee, 2021).
In addition, research by Li (2018) suggests that governments in the Arab world may employ them in their communication and public relations tactics to promote a sense of cohesiveness and shared identity among the people of the region and to influence how the general public perceives the policies and actions of governments. According to Bødker and Pedersen (2020), it involves using symbols in national branding, campaigns, logos, and other forms of visual identities, as well as official declarations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, symbols are an essential part of communication and play a crucial role in shaping people’s perceptions and understanding of the world around them. In government communication and PR, symbols can convey important messages, create shared meanings, and build trust between government entities and the public.
In particular, cultural symbols have special significance within a specific cultural or societal context and can serve as powerful tools for shaping public opinion and understanding. To foster a sense of shared identity among members of the Arab community, the Arab world has a rich cultural heritage. The use of symbols reflecting this heritage in government communication and PR can be employed to accomplish both of these goals.
References
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