How to Say What You Mean

Defines communication as a speaker-illusion relationship. Explains the difference between a sign and a symbol. Discusses the importance in communication of a proper translation, which involves finding experiences to match other experiences. Points out it is never enough to simply say what you mean, but what you say must mean something to the listener. This involves being able to determine common areas of experience. (KQED) Film., In this concluding program in the “Language in Action” series, Dr. Hayakawa distinguishes between a sign, as a proxy for an object, and a symbol, as a vehicle for the conception of objects. Our life is a constant process of symbolization. Communication, however, involves a speaker-listener relationship. An important factor in communication is translation; and translation involves not so much finding words or symbols to match other words or symbols as finding experiences to match other experiences. It is never enough simply to say what you mean. It must also mean something to the listener. Only by listening to the other will we be able to determine common areas of experience.