Do signs talk?

I would use "said". I realize that signs do not speak, but the verb "say" has come to mean "express". When I realized that it became easer to say lots of things in different media.

Interesting discussion, Steve. My protagonist is deaf and sometimes communicates in American Sign Language (ASL).

My case and yours are instances where "said" only works as an approximate figure of speech.

How-you? Les signed. Glad-see-you.

In your case, the alternatives to "said" we once learned long ago come in handy:

"WATCH FOR FALLEN ROCK," the sign procalimed (warned, ordered, advised, made public, informed, reminded, expressed, etc.).

There is nothing wrong with "said" here, and if this is in your project for children, I would encourage you to use "said". "What does the sign say?" and "What does the clock say?" are completely idiomatic in writing for children.

No, most signs do not talk, though I've seen a few that do. But the sign "says" or the sign "said" depending on tense, is just common parlance. Nothing wrong with it.

I ignored the 'No Trespassing'-sign.
He stopped at the 'Yield'-sign.
I got a ticket for failing to adhere to the 'Yield'-sign.
Didn't you notice the 'No Entry'-sign?

The ones I encounter at the gas pump at my favorite station do. They offer me all kinds of bonus points for buying gasoline there.

caw

Do signs talk?

Yes, if you're on LSD.

Why wouldn't it be "read"? I'm confused.

Chase said:

"WATCH FOR FALLEN ROCK," the sign procalimed (warned, ordered, advised, made public, informed, reminded, expressed, etc.).

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... the sign insisted, raising its red lettering at us with extra threat.

DanielaTorre said:

Why wouldn't it be "read"? I'm confused.

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Me too.