The discussion in this article outlines the significance of symbolic interaction theory as it can be useful in analyzing, critiquing, and understanding interpersonal communication. The meanings assigned through symbols can be altered through an interpretative process that is directly related to the communication process. This interpretative process, therefore, highlights the importance of the communication process for interaction with society. Symbolic interaction theory explains the ways in which the family as a unit interacts with each other by engaging in verbal and nonverbal communication. This theory uses basic ways and symbols to communicate and transmit or receive messages. The symbols that humans use to interact are gestures, rules, words and roles. By developing a complex set of symbols, humans interact in specific environments. In other words, interactions using these symbols facilitate communication. Effective communication supports people in their personal and professional lives. In professional life, communication plays a fundamental role in organizational activities. Communication through symbols supports an individual's personal life especially during interaction with family and society (Plunkett). The unique contributions of symbolic interaction theory to family studies are: Families are social groups and individuals develop a self-concept along with their identity by engaging in social interaction. A main premise of the theory is that humans generally act on the meaning they derive from interacting through communication. The second main premise is that the meaning assigned to communication derives from social interaction. These meanings are subsequently modified through an interpretative process directly related to…… half of the paper……n of common understanding primarily through the use of symbols. It also means that unless mutual or common understanding results from the transmission of specific symbols, there may be no communication at all. It is a process by which meaning is assigned and conveyed in an attempt to create a mutually shared understanding. It is worth remembering that this process, in fact, requires a vast repertoire of skills in interpersonal and intrapersonal processing, observation, questioning, listening, evaluating, analyzing and speaking (Boyee 181-185) . Works Cited Boyee, David. Essentials of business communication and the grammar and mechanics of peak performance. Prentice Hall. 2007. PrintHolliday, Adrian. Intercultural Communication: An Advanced Resource Book. Routledge. 2004. Print Plunkett, Scott. Symbolic interactionism theory. Network. December 2, 2010