Iconicity in signed narratives

Abstract In this chapter, the history of research on iconicity in signed language narratives is examined. This history is tightly intertwined with research on signed languages more generally, where iconicity has been given various degrees of attention and recognition. Signed language narratives, cross-linguistically, are characterized by the presence of constructed action and depicting signs, two types of highly iconic signs. These signs, coupled with other iconic displays, are manipulated by signers to provide a narrative with a visual viewpoint and to create referential cohesion. In this way, research on signed language narratives is able to contribute to our understanding of iconicity in human language and interaction.