Competing iconicities in the structure of languages

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Semiotics
• Sign Language Studies

Background:

• Iconicity, the resemblance between a signifier and its signified, has traditionally been viewed as separate from grammatical structure.
• Grammar is often perceived as an arbitrary system that suppresses iconic elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between iconicity and grammar in language structure.
• To demonstrate that iconicity can actively contribute to grammatical organization.
• To explore the diverse forms and functions of iconicity across different languages.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of grammatical structures in sign languages.
• Focus on the use of the signer's body as an iconic resource.
• Examination of how body parts, subject arguments, and first-person reference are iconically encoded.

Main Results:

• Iconicity and grammar can coexist and mutually influence each other.
• Sign languages employ the body in three distinct iconic roles: body part representation, subject argument encoding, and first-person reference.
• Different sign languages exhibit unique resolutions to the interaction and competition between these iconic strategies, resulting in diverse grammatical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Iconicity is not a uniform phenomenon but encompasses various types.
• Sign languages offer a rich domain for studying the active role of iconicity in shaping grammar.
• Understanding the interaction between iconicity and grammar provides insights into the fundamental nature of both linguistic systems.