Socio-linguistics studies language in social systems and must consider concepts like salience, agenda, intent, allusion, symbolism, and collective unconscious. Symbolism results when allusions become so important that they can seriously affect behavior. Many important symbols can be found in religion, politics, flags, names, and colors. The collective unconscious refers to symbols that cross generations, coined by Carl Jung. The document then provides numerous examples of symbolic shapes, flags, names, and colors in politics, religion, literature, and popular culture to illustrate socio-linguistic concepts.

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Symbolism IV
Symbolic Shapes, Flags,
Names, and Colors
by Don L. F. Nilsen
and Alleen Pace Nilsen

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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4. Opposing Visual Symbolism:
People with Their Heads in the Sand about Global Warming
vs. The Reverse of Global Warming
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5. International Symbols
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6. Place Names
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7. Shape Symbolism
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8. The Union Jack: England (St. George Cross)
& Scotland (St. Andrews blue)
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9. Australian & New Zealand
Ontario & British Columbia
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10. Fleur de Lis: France
Quebec & New Orleans Saints (Drew Brees)
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12. Confederate Flag and Confederate Battle Flag
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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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14. England’s Exit from the
European Union
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15. And then there’s Texas:
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16. Recycled Names
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17. More Recycled Names
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18. Martin Luther & Martin Luther King
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19. Theodore Seuss Geisel
Pen Names: Dr. Seuss, Theo LeSieg & Rosetta Stone
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20. Mohammad (no picture
available) & Mohammad Ali
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21. Edgar Alan Poe lived, died and wrote
most of his poetry in Baltimore, Maryland
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22. Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo and Michelangelo
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23. Super Heros: Superman, Batman, Iron Man,
Spiderman, Wonder Woman & Captain America
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24. Super Villains: Lord Voldemort,
Darth Vader & The Joker
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25. Color Symbolism
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26. Orange is the New Black
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27. The Greening of America
and ASU Parking Lot
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28. Motley Color Symbolism
for the Clown
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29. Color & Facial-Expression Symbolism
in the Pixar Movie Inside Out
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30. The “White” House
Gay-Pride Colors
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