American International Journal of Social Science

Kinesics and Symbol Language: Sociolinguistics Study Model in Multilingual Approach Context
Udjang Pairin M. Basir, Amirotul Ro’ifah

Abstract
In multilingual societies, the language system as a communication tool is so complex. In the broader context the communication process in society is not only in the form of verbal but also nonverbal which is more abstract and symbolic value. Nonverbal languages deal with body cues, such as hand gestures, facial expressions, smiles, hand waves, and others are called kinesics. However, there are also nonverbal languages in other forms, namely symbols, colors and sounds. Deals with symbols, such as eagle (state symbol), star (divinity), symbol of rank (police and army); red (bravery), white (holy), black (sad, mourning), blue (love); kentongan (sound of instrument hit as a sign of time and danger), syringe sound (ask for road), whistle sound (warning or morse language), etc. Which the meaning requires a cultural understanding. Kinesics itself includes a paralinguistic study which meaning involves a relatively loose aspect of culture, so it is often cause misinterpretation, but not so in symbolic language. The symbol system of meaning is more certain. As part of cultural element, the understanding process of symbols language is more directed references and relatively inconvenience to the whole community supporters.

Full Text: PDF