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the phenomenon where certain sounds or phonetic patterns are associated with specific meanings or qualities, often independent of linguistic convention or arbitrary assignment
What is "sound symbolism"?
Sound symbolism is the concept that certain sounds or phonetic elements can carry specific meanings or associations, influencing how words are perceived. This phenomenon suggests that the phonetic characteristics of a word, such as its sound patterns or structures, can evoke particular emotions or concepts. For example, words that contain the high front vowel /i/, like "tiny" or "little," often relate to smallness, while words with low back vowels, like "large" or "big," may suggest largeness. Sound symbolism is significant in linguistics because it highlights the connection between sound and meaning, demonstrating how language can evoke sensory or emotional responses through phonetic choices.
