Unspoken Cues

It Goes Without Saying

When you walk around Peterborough, what do you see? A red octagon tells you to stop, but green traffic signals get you moving again. The clothing of a passing stranger tells you about them. Are they wearing a military uniform, or a fancy hat? You hear a bell ringing – time for school!

We don’t need words to get a message across. Unspoken cues guide us through life, even when we do not recognize it. School bells, traffic lights, clothing styles, and even nature tell us things without ever saying a word.

Bells are also a great tool for warning. Their shrill sound gets our attention and moves us into action. Fire alarm bells like this one are common in schools and other large buildings.

Alarm Bell PMA, 2009.8.5

Old Habits Die Hard

We see unspoken cues so often that we do not even realize they are telling us something. They are so ingrained in our lives that they are often invisible.

Not every gesture is the same around the world. This can lead to a funny moment or a serious mistake. Sometimes, it is better to use your words than to rely on a visual cue. You never know – a wave in Peterborough could be a rude gesture somewhere else.

The bell pictured here was used to alert Peterborough of both the time of day and of fire emergencies.

Is it noon, or is there a fire at Quaker Oats?

PMA, P-13-024-1

One With Nature

For the part of the living world that does not speak any human language, using unspoken cues is vital. Plants and animals talk to us without ever saying a word. Have you seen a dog wagging its tail? What about a plant with spikes, or a brightly coloured bird? Nature tells us about itself all the time.

How do you communicate with your pet? This dog knows what his owner's hand signal means.

We have a lot more in common with the natural world than you may think.

PMA, 2000-012-017444-9