The Ubiquity of Signs

Abstract

Language is a means of human communication that sets man apart from other animals. Language gives structure to experience and every other aspect of life. Language, of course, is primarily spoken and society is dominated by the spoken form, but for those who are unable to speak, communication takes place through signs. This article seeks to find out if the society can do without signs and symbols in daily communication. The population of sign language users is insignificant as compared to the population of persons that use spoken language yet some aspects of society seem to function better with signs and symbols. This is a descriptive work and it is qualitative. The instrument in operation here is the questionnaire and the theoretical framework hinges on Functionalism. Seventy-four (74) respondents took part in this study. This study concludes that the society in general cannot function maximally without signs and symbols.