Sounds of Language Shape Our Tactile and Visual Perceptions

A new study sheds light on the unexpected connections between the sounds we produce in language and the textures we perceive through touch.

Researchers have uncovered that certain sounds can evoke particular tactile sensations or visual shapes, revealing an intriguing facet of how we experience the world.

Key Findings from the Study

In a detailed exploration involving over 1,000 participants across 28 different languages, the study found that a striking 94 percent of people associated the trilled R sound with jagged, rough surfaces.

In contrast, the L sound tended to evoke images of smooth textures and straight lines, with 84 percent of participants making this connection.

Notably, this trend persisted even among speakers of languages that lack a trilled R, such as Mandarin and Japanese.

These findings push the envelope of our understanding beyond the familiar bouba/kiki effect—where round shapes are linked to rounded sounds, and jagged shapes to sharper sounds—demonstrating a more universal principle of sound symbolism.

The strong and consistent associations observed across diverse cultures suggest that these auditory connections may have played a significant role in the evolution of spoken languages, which often embrace challenging yet expressive sounds like the trilled R.

Research Methodology and Implications

To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers conducted both online and live experiments where participants were asked to envision the sensation of touching a jagged line versus a straight line before vocalizing their impressions after hearing recordings of the trilled R or L sounds.

The results from these interactive sessions serve as compelling evidence of a deeper relationship between speech and our sensory experiences.

This study not only enriches our understanding of how sound, touch, and vision interact but also reinforces the intricate web of connections that shape our perceptions.

As we delve deeper into the complexities of cross-modal correspondences, we begin to see a clearer picture of how the sounds we make resonate with the physical sensations and visuals that define our reality.

Study Details:

• Title: The alveolar trill is perceived as jagged/rough by speakers of different languages
• Authors: Marcus Perlman et al.
• Journal: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
• Publication Date: November 20, 2024
• DOI: 10.1121/10.0034416