Final answer:
The false statement about the symbolic nature of communication is that symbols are self-explanatory and easy to interpret, which is not true as their meanings depend on social and cultural contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the symbolic nature of communication that is not true is: b) by their very nature, symbols are self-explanatory and easy to interpret. This statement is incorrect because symbols are not inherently self-explanatory; their meanings are derived from social and cultural contexts and can vary greatly among different people and societies. In contrast, the other statements are true: communication does rely heavily on symbols (a), the same symbol can have different meanings for different people (c), and symbolic communication enables thinking and discussing the past, present, and future (d).
Symbols like words, behaviors, and messages are essential in human communication, allowing individuals to convey and interpret meanings. However, the process of understanding these symbols is not automatic; it requires learning and sharing within a cultural or social framework. For example, a thumbs-up gesture may convey positive affirmation in one culture but have a different meaning in another.