When I travel, I notice that in other countries, they make more use of symbols and images than we do in the United States. I saw the sign below when I traveled on a Mexican bus recently. One word and one picture made the point briefly and without ambiguity.

Exclusivo

I wonder what readers think. Is it because we expect everyone to understand English and to be literate? Or do we tend to use words more because we fear misunderstandings? Or do you think we use symbols just as much in the United States? I think we tend to use signs like the one below. I also believe that there might be an opportunity to communicate more effectively with our patients, students, and customers if we use images more often.

Expectant Moms