Understanding them is a matter of memorizing what they mean

With them, we have a compact,elegant expression.Sometimes, as with equals,these symbols communicate meaning through form.Many, however, are arbitrary.Understanding them is a matter of memorizing what they mean and applying them in different contexts until they stick, as with any language.If we were to encounter an alien civilization,they'd probably have a totally different set of symbols.But if they think anything like us,they'd probably have symbols.And their symbols may even correspond directly to ours.They'd have their own multiplication sign,symbol for pi,and, of course, equals.