Communicating in
English
Deciphering Signs
Reported by: Carl Tayong
Communication is
more than just
words.
Introduction
In English communication, we interpret signs,
symbols, gestures, images, and language
to understand meaning.
01
What Are
Signs?
What are signs?
A sign is anything that communicates meaning
According to semiotics:
• A sign represents something.
• It conveys a message beyond what we
see.
Examples of Signs
Words (STOP) Traffic symbols Emojis
A command that tells Traffic symbols use shapes, Emojis are digital pictorial
people to halt or not colors, and icons to signs used in texting,
proceed communicate rules quickly emails, and social media to
and safely. add emotion or tone to
written English.
Examples of Signs
Gesture Colors
Gestures are nonverbal Colors act as powerful
body movements that symbolic signs that carry
express ideas, approval, or instant cultural meaning in
emotions alongside or English-speaking
instead of words. environments.
02
Semiotics and
Communication
Semiotics and Communication
Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and
how they create meaning.
• Signs carry meaning.
• Meaning depends on interpretation
• Interpretation varies by context
03
Types of Signs
in Communication
Types of Signs in Communication
Verbal Signs Non-Verbal Signs Visual Signs
Spoken or written Facial expressions Symbols
words Body language Images
Example: “No Logos
Smoking”
04
Why Non-Verbal Sign
Matter?
Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 A FIRST IMPRESSION
IS BASED ON
Communication Model
Why Non-Verbal Sign Matters?
People believe what they see
more than what they hear.
Take Note!
This rule applies especially when words
and nonverbal cues don’t match. People
trust the nonverbal signals more.
05
Types of
Non-Verbal Signs
Types of Non-Verbal Signs
Facial Expressions Gestures Tone of Voice
Movements of the Movements of the The way something
face that show hands or body to is said, including
emotions express ideas or pitch, volume, and
feelings emotion
Types of Non-Verbal Signs
Posture Eye Contact Personal Space
The way a person The use of the eyes The physical
stands or sits, to communicate distance people
showing attitude or attention, interest, maintain when
confidence or emotion interacting with
others
Types of Non-Verbal Signs
Touch Appearance
/Artifacts
Physical
Clothing,
contact used
accessories,
to express
or objects
feelings
that reflect a
person’s
identity or
status
06
Common Signs
and Meanings
Common Signs and Meanings
Smile Thumbs Up Cross Arms
Friendliness Approval Discomfort/
Defensiveness
Common Signs and Meanings
Eye Contact Nodding
Attention/ Agreement
Confidence
07
Deciphering Signs
Deciphering Signs
Deciphering - interpreting meaning
from signs
To understand meaning:
[Link] at words — Focus on the exact words used to get the basic idea.
[Link] tone — Observe how something is said to understand
emotion or attitude
[Link] context clues — Use surrounding words or situation to understand
meaning
[Link]: “What is implied?” — Think about the hidden or deeper meaning
08
The Role of Context
The Role of Context
Context shapes meaning:
1. Linguistic Context – The words surrounding a
message affect its meaning
Example: “He saw a bat.”
“Light”
“She is cool.”
The Role of Context
2. Situational Context – The setting or situation
influences meaning.
Example: “It’s cold”
“Run!”
“Be quiet.”
The Role of Context
3. Cultural Context – Beliefs and norms of a group
affect interpretation.
Example: Removing Shoes
Eye contact
Bowing
09
Cultural Differences
Cultural Differences
Same sign ≠ same meaning
Positive in some cultures Offensive in others
Meaning is culturally constructed.
10
Real-life Application
We Decipher Signs when:
✔ Reading texts /
Interpreting
✔ Talking to Others Conversations
✔ Seeing
✔ Watching movies / advertisements /
Reading Literature Analyzing Media
11
How to Read and Use
Signs Effectively
How to Read and Use Signs Effectively
How to Read Signs: How to Use Signs:
• Look for patterns • Maintain eye contact
• Compare words & • Use open posture
actions • Match words with actions
• Consider context • Smile naturally
12
Importance of
Deciphering Signs
Importance of Deciphering Signs
✔ Understand deeper
✔ Improve
meaning
communication
✔ Avoid ✔ Communicate
misunderstanding effectively
Conclusion
Communication in English = Words + Signs + Context
To communicate well:
• Observe
• Analyze
• Interpret Meaning is not just spoken,
it is interpreted.
Thanks! References
Encyclopaedia Britannica – [Link]
[Link] – [Link]
communication/[Link]
Verywell Mind – [Link]
communication-2795397
Immigo – [Link]