What are oral and visual codes used to communicate called?

The term "symbols" refers to oral and visual codes used to communicate because symbols are representations or signs that convey meaning through shared understanding. In communication, symbols include words, images, sounds, and gestures that allow individuals to express ideas, emotions, and information. For example, the word "tree" symbolizes the object itself, encompassing everything we associate with it, such as its physical characteristics and significance.

Understanding symbols is crucial for effective communication, as they provide a framework for interpretation and meaning. While other choices may relate to aspects of communication or representation, they do not specifically capture the essence of representing ideas through coded forms of communication as effectively as symbols do.