Which term describes a sign with no obvious basis?

Which term describes a sign with no obvious basis?

• A. Iconic
• B. Arbitrary
• C. Indexical
• D. Morphology

Answer: (B)

Arbitrary signs are those whose form has no obvious visual link to what they mean. In ASL, some signs clearly resemble their meaning (iconic), while others are conventionalized without any natural resemblance, so learners must memorize them as customary symbols. The term that describes a sign with no obvious basis is arbitrary because it emphasizes the lack of a recognizable or iconic connection between sign form and meaning. Morphology refers to the internal structure and how signs combine, and indexical signs involve pointing or indicating referents, which still relies on a visible relation to something in context.

Arbitrary signs are those whose form has no obvious visual link to what they mean. In ASL, some signs clearly resemble their meaning (iconic), while others are conventionalized without any natural resemblance, so learners must memorize them as customary symbols. The term that describes a sign with no obvious basis is arbitrary because it emphasizes the lack of a recognizable or iconic connection between sign form and meaning. Morphology refers to the internal structure and how signs combine, and indexical signs involve pointing or indicating referents, which still relies on a visible relation to something in context.