The picture on this sign is an icon because the picture of the turtle is what the sign is about. The indexicality of the sign is the words that literally spell out a warning for drivers to watch out for turtles. This sign is context dependent in that it is located in Owego where everyone knows that since a local pond was drained two years ago, many turtles have been trying to cross this busy road to find water. (my children and I have taken a few snapping turtles off this road before they got hit) If this sign were located elsewhere it would likely be meaningless.
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Clearly in this case the location of the sign is important in understanding its meaning/purpose. Just like the sign in forum B at the border of the US and Mexico. The context of the sign is directly dependent on the fact that it is on that specific road, otherwise it would seem meaningless.
Fun choice for a sign, Danielle! Its particular interesting how this sign has indexicality for its location next to the old local pond. I do think this sign would have indexicality in other locations, however. It would gain meaning from its location anywhere, wouldn’t it, because people would assume lots of turtles cross the road wherever it is placed? The same cultural associations just wouldn’t be made…Kind of confusing all of this…
Danielle, I also thought this sign was fun, there must be a ton of turtles around your town if they put signs out for them! I think this is a good example of an index and icon for it allows people to know there is a large population of turtles in that area, and that tourists or visitors might not be aware of.