Motivation in the Forms of Signs

The relationship between sign form & meaning often involves a motivated choice of sign form. Four main kinds of motivation are distinguished & discussed: iconic, memorable, ludic, & taxonomic. It is argued that any sign form may have various "dimensions" of meaning or information. In signing, many different types of information are produced & perceived without difficulty. It is further noted that all sign forms have potential for motivated use of a variety of kinds, & this potential may emerge in a special context. L. Taub