De-iconization and re-iconization in signed languages

Abstract This chapter examines de-iconization and re-iconization in signed languages, illustrating with current examples (mainly from Japanese Sign Language, JSL) how the iconic relationship between the signs and the meanings may decrease (or be recovered) over time. Section 47.1 consists of a brief introduction, and then Section 47.2 illustrates signed language de-iconization and re-iconization with examples from early research by Frishberg (1975) using American Sign Language signs. Section 47.3 considers de-iconization and re-iconization utilizing current examples from JSL that illustrate these two phenomena; these may be due to changes in the referent, to sign location centering, and to changes in the type of miming. Section 47.4 concludes with final comments about some possible directions for future research on signed language de-iconization and re-iconization.