Conventions

Conventions are generally accepted standards, customs, or practices that are established within a society, group, or field. They dictate how things are done, expressed, or interpreted. These norms can encompass a wide range of areas, from social interactions and artistic expression to technical specifications and legal procedures. conventions often evolve over time and serve to provide a framework for communication, understanding, and order, while also sometimes becoming restrictive or perpetuating outdated practices. They are often learned implicitly through observation and participation, as well as through explicit instruction, but can be codified in rules or guidelines.

Conventions meaning with examples

• In formal Western societies, shaking hands is a common social convention to greet someone. This simple act conveys respect and establishes a level of rapport. Without adhering to this convention, a person may be perceived as rude or standoffish. The handshake convention is often learned from childhood through observation and practice.
• Authors often follow literary conventions like using a specific narrator viewpoint or structuring a plot in a certain way. conventions like these help in understanding and creating literary forms, with some being more prominent than others.
• The use of certain musical conventions, such as specific chord progressions or song structures, provides familiarity and predictability within a song. Composers often use these conventions in their work to engage with the audience.
• Legal conventions, such as the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty', are fundamental to the justice system. These conventions establish fair practices that help maintain order and protect individual rights, making the courtroom a less arbitrary place.
• Web design uses conventions like using navigation bars at the top or side of a web page to help users easily navigate the sites content. Without these conventions, a website would be difficult to use and unappealing to browse for users. These also make websites more appealing, thus increasing traffic and user numbers.