Language is typically viewed as a verbal or written method used to express something. Not only does language express actions, items, emotions; but different people around the world express it in different ways, which is why there are multiple languages. A word can have a meaning in one country but another meaning in the next country, same with gestures. Which makes me wonder, is Sign Language taught the same universally or differently according to the popular gestures in each country?

Symbols and icons are tools that relate people whether they share the same language or not. Most of the time humans are able to understand symbols universally, like traffic signs and emojis. Wherever you live these things hold similar meanings. This is why learning to make icons are is important for designers to accomplish. It’s a skill you can incorporate in a design project that will be viewed all over the world.

The relationship between language and design in today’s culture can determine how successfully your audience reacts to your design project. Just like with symbols and icons, if your design features a character preforming certain hand gestures that Americans will find funny, the design will be successful in America. However the same gestures may be viewed as offensive by people in Japan because the two have separate cultures with separate languages. In the design world, it goes a long way to have consideration about language barriers and thinking in context of who your target audiences are.