GLYPH: A symbol, such as a stylized figure or arrow on a public sign, that imparts information nonverbally. (Dictionary.com)

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I'm fascinated with the method of communication entailed in the concept of glyphs. They are symbols which are so visually accurate that they immediately convey the meaning of something without the use of words. In a society like ours where speed is king, glyphs play a huge role. The need for immediate access to information shows itself in a variety of ways, but glyphs are, perhaps, the most vital when it comes to speed in transportation.

When one is about to enter a curve in the road, on the other side of which is a traffic light, a glyph depicting a traffic light on a bright yellow sign provides the driver with that information instantaneously. The need to slow down and prepare to stop is communicated far more quickly by the glyph sign than if there were a sign with the words "Caution: stop sign ahead around curve."

For one thing, the glyph doesn't require the ability to speak the language of the country in which the sign appears. It is without language deficit. Whether one is literate or illiterate, there is instant transmission of the warning.

What gets tricky is traveling in a place where traffic patterns are different from the norm in this one. For instance, when driving in Australia we came upon a sign with what appeared to be a traffic circle (called a round-about in Australia)with several circles made from arrows surrounding the core circle. Not being familiar with the meaning of it, we proceeded into the round-about only to discover that the level of the circle designated the direction one was going to go after leaving the circle.

We ended up making numerous trips around the core circle before determining which exit circle we were supposed to use. Being on the left side of the road didn't help. But, once we mastered our exit, the glyph became part of our driving lexicon. The next time we encountered it we were prepared to make the choice of circles prior to entering.

Glyph originates from the concept of hieroglyphic which is, as you already know, a term used in archeology to describe the pictorial language of cultures (like the ancient Egyptian one) to communicate using small picture-like figures. The pictures used communicated the meaning of the thought to the reader. Here we are thousands of years later using the same technique, but for a different reason.

It occurs to me that a most interesting example of glyph is the tattoo. I'm not a huge fan of body art, especially in excess. But it is, clearly, a method of communicating a thought, frequently without the use of words. For some of the tattoos I have seen, I'm thankful words aren't used!! It is interesting that in this age of computerized, instant communication many people are drawn to the ancient use of tattoo glyphs to make a point. Maybe that's a separate posting for another time.