One position suggests a natural relation between sound and meaning, potentially reducing the need to appeal to assignment. The discussion notes sound properties such as strength and softness as cases in which a perceived affinity may seem plausible.
A central objection is that if every word signified its meaning inherently and determinately, it would be difficult to account for different words in different languages denoting the same thing, or one expression having several established senses.
There is a vital distinction between noticing expressive affinities and claiming that convention is unnecessary. The former may be persuasive for particular expressions without supporting the sweeping latter claim.