Definition of sound symbolism

Our definition of sound symbolism: The theory that speech sounds have intrinsic meaning.

Other definitions of sound symbolism from around the web

“The idea that vocal sounds or phonemes carry meaning in and of themselves.” – Wikipedia

“The term for a hypothesized systematic relationship between sound and meaning.” – Ohala, J. “Sound Symbolism.”

“A field of linguistics, not without its skeptics [that] posits that certain sounds have certain meanings, and that these sounds trigger imagery that is consistent and meaningful.” – Pile, M. “How to Create the Perfect Brand Name With the ‘Sound Symbolism’ Technique.” Inc.

“The theory that there’s an intrinsic meaning we unknowingly attach to certain speech sounds.” – Sneed, A. “Why The Sound Of A Brand Name Matters.” Fast Company, Co.Design.

Also known as

• Phonesthesia
• Phonosemantics

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