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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
14:34
A Bilingual Computational Workflow for Identifying Potential PLK1 Inhibitors in American Sign Language and English
Published on: April 3, 2026
The link between form and meaning in American Sign Language: lexical processing effects
Robin L Thompson1, David P Vinson, Gabriella Vigliocco
1Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre, Department of Cognitive, Perceptual, and Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK. robin.thompson@ucl.ac.uk
Summary
Signed languages use iconicity, a clear link between form and meaning, more than spoken languages. Native signers benefit from this iconicity for faster word retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Psycholinguistics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Spoken languages rely heavily on arbitrary symbol-meaning mappings, with limited iconicity (e.g., onomatopoeia).
- Signed languages, like American Sign Language (ASL), extensively utilize iconicity, where the form visually resembles the meaning.
- The cognitive advantages of iconicity in language acquisition and processing are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the processing advantages of iconicity in American Sign Language (ASL).
- To compare the effects of iconicity on lexical retrieval in native ASL signers and second-language learners.
- To explore whether iconicity facilitates automatic language processing.
Main Methods:
- A picture-sign matching experiment was conducted.
- Reaction times were measured to assess processing speed.
- Participants included native ASL signers and late second-language learners of ASL.
- Stimuli involved pictures where iconic properties of ASL signs were either salient or not.
Main Results:
- Native ASL signers exhibited faster reaction times when iconic properties in pictures were made salient.
- This facilitation suggests that a closer meaning-form mapping aids lexical retrieval in proficient signers.
- Late second-language learners did not show the same iconicity-based facilitation effect as native signers.
- The findings imply that the task engaged more automatic language processes for native signers.
Conclusions:
- Iconicity in signed languages can provide a processing advantage, particularly for native users.
- Arbitrariness in language may not be inherently advantageous but rather a consequence of modality.
- The study highlights the role of visual-iconic mappings in efficient language processing and lexical access.
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