The human factors of the conspicuous Babel fish; dyadic referencing through icons

Abstract

This paper presents an index of the main theoretical approaches and research findings in relation to icon and symbol research (Tables 1 & 2). This index is grounded in a theoretical discussion of the negotiation and deduction of meaning that takes place through symbol and icon communication, helping to identify underdeveloped areas such as visual aesthetics and icon design from East to West. The importance of moving the research field forward, past cross-cultural communication towards communication across millennia is also considered.