Final answer:
Burke believes symbols create a shared reality, serving as fundamental tools that convey meanings recognized throughout societies and enable individuals to communicate complex ideas. They are essential in cultural transmission and in guiding social interactions as per sociologist Erving Goffman's dramaturgical analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
How does Burke believe symbols are so important to the study of communication? According to Burke, symbols are crucial because b) They create shared reality. Symbols are the backbone of communication, facilitating a common understanding between individuals and within societies. They act as a conduit through which we can understand the world around us, as they carry meanings that are collectively recognized. Whether through gestures, signs, written language, or other forms, symbols enable people to convey complex ideas and emotions succinctly.
For example, the demolition of symbols can send a strong message, such as tearing down the Berlin Wall, which signified opposition to the political and ideological divide it represented. Symbols like language are not just tools for everyday communication; they also play a significant role in transmitting culture from one generation to the next.
Erving Goffman's concept of dramaturgical analysis highlights the symbolic nature of social interactions, likening them to actors playing various roles in a theater. In this way, symbols also help people navigate and perform in different social situations, adjusting their behaviors according to cultural 'scripts'.