Signifiers and signified – in a person’s nonverbal behavior

• Body language: The way people hold their bodies, gesture, and move can all be interpreted as signs. For example, a person who is crossing their arms might be seen as being defensive or closed off, while a person who is making eye contact and smiling might be seen as being open and friendly.
• Facial expressions: Facial expressions are another common way that people communicate nonverbally. For example, a smile can be seen as a sign of happiness, while a frown can be seen as a sign of sadness or anger.
• Eye contact: Eye contact is another important nonverbal cue. In many cultures, making eye contact is seen as a sign of respect and attention, while avoiding eye contact can be seen as a sign of deception or submissiveness.
• Touch: Touch is another powerful nonverbal cue. In some cultures, touch is seen as a way of showing affection or intimacy, while in other cultures, touch can be seen as inappropriate or even offensive.

My own use of nonverbal signs also illustrates particular identities. For example, the clothes I wear, the way I do my hair, and the scents I wear all send signals to others about who I am and what I value. For example, I often wear jeans and a t-shirt, which signals that I am casual and laid-back. I also often wear glasses, which signals that I am intelligent and studious.

I believe that my own use of nonverbal signs both passes on and challenges prevailing ideologies. For example, by wearing jeans and a t-shirt, I am challenging the ideology that women should always dress in skirts or dresses. However, by wearing glasses, I am also reinforcing the ideology that intelligence is associated with glasses.

I believe that it is important to be aware of the nonverbal signs that we use and how they can be interpreted by others. By understanding the meaning of these signs, we can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships with others.

Here are some additional thoughts on how nonverbal signs can be used to illustrate particular identities:

• Clothing: The clothes we wear can send a powerful message about our identity. For example, a person who wears a suit and tie is likely to be seen as someone who is professional and successful, while a person who wears jeans and a t-shirt is likely to be seen as someone who is casual and laid-back.
• Hairstyle: The hairstyle we choose can also be a way of expressing our identity. For example, a person who has a short, neat haircut is likely to be seen as someone who is organized and efficient, while a person who has long, flowing hair is likely to be seen as someone who is creative and free-spirited.
• Scents: The scents we wear can also be used to communicate our identity. For example, a person who wears a strong perfume or cologne is likely to be seen as someone who is confident and outgoing, while a person who wears a more subtle scent is likely to be seen as someone who is more reserved and introverted.
• Hair care on head and elsewhere: The way we care for our hair can also be a way of expressing our identity. For example, a person who has a neatly trimmed beard is likely to be seen as someone who is professional and well-groomed, while a person who has a long, unkempt beard is likely to be seen as someone who is creative and unconventional.
• Body manipulation such as piercing, dieting, weightlifting, tattoos: Body manipulation is another way that people can express their identity. For example, a person who has piercings is likely to be seen as someone who is alternative or rebellious, while a person who is very muscular is likely to be seen as someone who is strong and confident.