2. The Importance of Allusion and Symbolism
in the Field of Socio-Linguistics
In studying the language of social systems, Socio-Linguists must
deal with “salience,” “Agenda,” “Intent,” “Allusion,” “Symbolism”
and the “Collective Unconscious.
“Salience” refers to the importance or significance of concepts in
a social system.
“Agenda” investigates how this significance affects behavior.
“Intent” investigates how our behaviors are affected by our needs
and desires.
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3. “Allusion” refers to those concepts in a social system that people
refer to frequently.
“Symbolism” results when the allusions become so important
that they have can affect behavior in serious ways.
Many important symbols can be found in religion and in politics.
Flags, for example, relate to patriotism at the national level, and
regionalism at the local level. The “confederacy” is an example
of regionalism. So is the concept of “Texas.”
“Collective Unconscious” is when a symbol is important enough
to cross generations. It is a term coined by Carl Jung.
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13. Flags of the Confederate States:
South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama
Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia
Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee
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