Final answer:
It is false that the meaning of gestures and symbols is universally understood; these meanings are not consistent worldwide and are influenced by cultural context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that gestures and symbols have the same meaning to everyone throughout the world is false. The meaning of gestures and symbols is not universally understood by people from all cultures. In fact, nonverbal communication is symbolic and much of it is learned through one's culture. For example, while a smile may often represent joy, and crying often represents sadness globally, other gestures and symbols like the thumbs-up have different meanings in different cultures; it can indicate positive reinforcement in the United States, but in Russia and Australia, it might be seen as an offensive curse. Additionally, the interpretation of gestures like a wave or a wink can vary widely depending on the situation and person.
Moreover, language itself is a system of symbols with which people communicate and through which culture is transmitted. Even as certain gestures such as smiling and crying can be understood almost universally, the nuances and specific interpretations of these gestures can still vary significantly across different societies. Acknowledging the diversity of symbolic meanings across cultures is essential for cross-cultural understanding and communication.