"semantic satiation"的定义和意义

What is "semantic satiation"?

Semantic satiation is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a word or phrase is repeated so many times that it temporarily loses its meaning for the listener or speaker. After continuous repetition, the word may begin to sound strange or unfamiliar, making it difficult to recognize its usual significance. For example, saying the word "apple" repeatedly can lead to a moment where it feels like a random sequence of sounds rather than the name of a fruit. This effect highlights the relationship between language and cognition, showing how our brains process and understand words. It is often used in linguistic studies to explore how meaning and perception are affected by repetition.