sound symbolism

Cratylus: Are Names Arbitrary?

Is the word "cat" purely random, or does the sound itself carry the essence of the animal? We revisit Plato’s…

5 days ago

aUI: The Constructed Language of Space

aUI (the Language of Space) is a constructed language created by Dr. John Weilgart, who claimed it was taught to…

6 days ago

Why “Mama” Means Father: The Georgian Baby Talk Reversal

In almost every language on Earth, the sound /m/ is universally associated with "mother" due to the biological mechanics of…

6 days ago

The Phonology of Brand Names

Ever wondered why so many successful brands have names that just *sound* right? From Google to Pepsi, the secret often…

3 months ago

The Man Who Spoke Only in Numbers

Following a severe stroke, a brilliant Russian scientist lost his ability to speak—but found a new voice in the language…

6 months ago

The Science of Phonaesthetics

Why does "cellar door" sound so beautiful to English speakers, regardless of its meaning? This is the central question of…

6 months ago

The Language of Sensation: Exploring Ideophones

We all know onomatopoeia, but many languages have something far richer: ideophones. These "adverbs of the senses" don't just mimic…

6 months ago

Why Is This Shape “Bouba” and That One “Kiki”? The Surprising Science of Sound Symbolism

Have you ever wondered why a spiky shape just *feels* like a "Kiki" and a rounded one a "Bouba"? This…

6 months ago

Tasting the Word ‘Tuesday’: The Extraordinary World of Lexical-Gustatory Synesthesia

What does the word 'Tuesday' taste like to you? For most of us, the question is nonsensical, but for individuals…

6 months ago

Lost in the Gutter: The Unique Linguistic Challenges of Translating Comics and Graphic Novels

Translating a comic book isn't just about swapping words in a speech bubble; it's a delicate dance between text, art,…

6 months ago

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