So you mean…

Symbolic Interactionism of George Herbert Mead

Have you ever had one of those nasty times when misunderstanding crosses your way? Sometimes, this happens because the meanings implied just aren’t the meanings taken.

While teaching at University of California, Berkley certain principles on of a theory was formed in his lectures. Later, after his death, a student named Herbert Blumer gathered his notes and coined the term Symbolic Interactionism.

Symbolic Interactionism Theory talks about how communication, in the form of talking for example, is the humanizing activity available. To further understand this, there are five premises that govern this theory.

Meaning. According to SIT, humans act toward people or things on the basis of meanings they assign to these people or things. A man may sit on a table if he intends to according to the meaning that he assigns to a table- that is, an object that he may sit on.

Language. Language on the other hand is viewed as the source of meanings. Therefore, meanings are not inherent on objects but rather are through communication.

Thought. The symbols used and expressed by one person are then passed on to another. Minding then, is how the target processes the symbol given according to the meaning that he/she imposes on them.

The Self. Introspection is another premise. SIT explains that the I the Me form the Self and is socially constructed. The Self therefore is a function of a language.

The SIT is an important theory in communication as it creates reality, gives a meaning-ful research, and more useful applications in human life today.

So, the next time misunderstandings arise; please understand the most understandable understandings that one can understand- with respect to the meanings implied- of course.