The non-arbitrary nature of language.
sound symbolism
- The idea that there can be a non-arbitrary relationship between individual sounds and meaning
- High and/or front vowels (higher frequencies) associated with small things
- Back and/or low vowels (lower frequencies) associated with large things
- “Bouba”/“Kiki” effect
- Many English taboo words are short (usu. monosyllables or trochees, stress on first syllable), with sounds considered quick and harsh (e.g. short vowels, stop consonants, esp. k and g)