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I AM

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I <strong>AM</strong> : M. M. Ninan<br />

visual symbols, while visual symbols are widely used; the audible<br />

symbols are not much popular. However, they are found in all<br />

walks of life. Command whistles, siren sounds, theme songs of<br />

music groups, radio stations etc are examples of these. We shall<br />

see why audible symbols are less popular; and the reason is<br />

important.<br />

The written word and the spoken word are the ultimate symbols<br />

because of their communicative power. An essay or a speech<br />

communicates more than a static visual or audible symbol. That is<br />

why the title of ‘the Word of God”, ‘Kalimut Allah” is given to<br />

Jesus emphasizing the ultimate and clear revelation of God to man<br />

in Christ Jesus.<br />

What then is a symbol? A symbol is something, which<br />

communicates ideas and concepts of realities, which are otherwise<br />

difficult to communicate.<br />

A good symbol is<br />

therefore a good<br />

expression of a concept<br />

and is a means of<br />

communication. The use<br />

of the symbol gives this<br />

effect because of the<br />

following process. First, it<br />

converts an existing reality into a concept, which in turn is<br />

converted into the symbol. The receiver, who perceives the symbol<br />

through external stimuli, in turn reinterprets it and thereby<br />

recognizes the concept contained in it.<br />

understands the original concept.<br />

Symbols are the means of<br />

communication. All carriers of<br />

information use symbols.<br />

The receiver thus<br />

4

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