Thompson, Patrick Douglas (2013) Phonetic symbolism for size, shape, and motion. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis examines phonetic symbolism, the meaningful use of individual
speech sounds to convey and infer size, shape, and motion. Chapter 1 presents
a summary of the literature. Though there is evidence suggesting that
phonetic symbolism exists and is pervasive, the literature presents several
research opportunities. In nine experiments and one pre-test (total N = 357
participants), we use graded stimuli throughout, which is uncommon in the
previous research. This use of non-dichotomous stimuli allows for the
hypotheses that have arisen from a gestural model of language evolution and
the Frequency Code to be more fully investigated. In the first set of
experiments (Chapter 2), we demonstrate that phonetic marking for size is
graded, i.e., it does not mark just very large and very small objects. In
Chapter 3, the focus is on marking for size and shape, and their possible
interactions. We show that marking for size and for shape are not as in line
with each other as previous works might suggest. Marking for movement is
the topic of Chapter 4, which includes moving stimuli, not just implied
motion. We find that trait permanence is at play with the naming for motion
tasks, with marking only occurring when naming the motion itself. Finally, a
concluding chapter summarizes and further expounds on the results of the
thesis, and how those results relate to the hypotheses suggested by gestural
models and frequency code. The conclusion also includes a section of current
and future research directions.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Sound symbolism -- Research, Speech and gesture, Motion in language
Official Date:	February 2013
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Estes, Zachary, 1973-
Extent:	viii, 176 leaves : charts.
Language:	eng

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