Abstract:

Graphical symbols have become frequently used as a universal coding system in order to inform, direct or give instructions to people of all languages and cultures on public places and manufactured products. However, despite its widespread use, different names are given to this coding system. In addition, there are inconsistencies between the meanings of these names. For this reason, it is aimed to determine the meaning boundaries of the concept in question by determining the preferred terms to represent the graphical symbol concept and the meanings attributed to this concept. In this study, which is a qualitative research, document analysis method was used. In this context, academic publications were reached as a result of scanning in various databases and these sources were examined in terms of the meaning attributed to the ‘graphical symbol’ concept via ‘pictogram, pictograph, graphical symbol, symbol, sign, safety sign’ labels. In the light of the data obtained in accordance with the descriptive analysis approach, the meaning limits of the concept have been determined and it has been suggested that this term should be used by explaining why the term ‘graphic symbol’ is appropriate.

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