How Japanese symbols convey meaning without words
By
@zhenpixels
Summary
The article explores how symbols communicate meaning without words, comparing Western and Japanese symbolic systems. The author reflects on how street signs in the US still rely partly on words, while Japan has developed many symbols that convey complete meaning on their own, without any accompanying text. The piece examines the cultural and design aspects of these non-verbal symbols in Japanese society.
Source
Hacker NewsHow Japanese symbols convey meaning without wordsarun.isKey quotes
· 3 pulledWhen I'm driving, the red octagonal sign on the street reminds me to stop even before I read the word on the sign.
Japan has many examples of symbols that convey meaning entirely on their own.
Street signs signal their meaning through their shape and their color far more than the exact lettering on them.
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