In this study we investigated the role of iconicity in Taiwan Sign Language (TSL) by using a production task. Some phonology of signs is to resemble the actions, objects, or characteristics they represent. We reasoned that activation of relevant physical features of a concept facilitate phonological retrieval of a sign because of the similarity between these two. Immediate and delayed picture naming were used for investigating these issues. In Experiment 1A, we investigated picture immediate and delayed signing in deaf people and immediate and delayed naming in the normal. Reaction time difference of immediate and delayed conditions was shorter for signing than for naming, suggesting a quicker access to TSL lexicon. Furthermore, only in TSL, RT difference in high iconic signs was shorter than the difference in low iconic signs, reflecting that the closer relationship of signs and object physical properties the faster deaf signers accessed their sign lexicon. In Experiment 2, sign language interpreters were included for controlling the variety of language experience. The results showed similar pattern to Experiment 1. The research reasons that iconicity might play an important role for lexical access in TSL.

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