What aspect reflects the volume and variety of signs in a communicative context?

The volume and variety of signs in a communicative context is best represented by lexicon size. This concept refers to the range of vocabulary available to a language user, encompassing not only the number of signs but also the diverse meanings and contexts in which those signs can be appropriately used. A larger lexicon size means that an interpreter or signer can draw from a wider array of signs to convey messages accurately and effectively, catering to the nuances of different communicative situations.

Lexicon size is crucial in interpreting and sign language as it impacts the interpreter’s ability to convey meaning comprehensively. Using an extensive lexicon enables interpreters to adapt their signing to varied contexts, such as formal versus informal settings, and to include specific terminology that may be critical to the subject matter being discussed.

While grammatical agreement, signed expression, and back-channeling play important roles in sign language communication, they do not specifically address the richness or breadth of vocabulary and signs available in a communicative context. Grammatical agreement refers to how signs align according to syntactic rules, signed expression deals with the conveying of emotion or intent through signs, and back-channeling usually pertains to the feedback given during a conversation, but does not directly reflect the variety or volume of signs utilized.