The Traffic Sign as A Sign: Silent Speech Acts

This essay has a five-fold purpose: (1) To define the term 'sign' and its referents; (2) to comment on semiosis and representation; (3) to discuss visual signs; (4) to use selectively traffic signs (regulatory, warning) to exemplify how these metal objects placed on highways provide motorists with visual guidance on traffic rules and traffic advisories; and (5) to show how traffic signs constitute a silent visual expression of Searle's directive and representative (assertive) illocutionary acts.