Why Certain Words Resonate More Than Others

The Power of Words: How Surprising Sounds Shape Communication

Effective communication is the foundation of human connection. It enables us to work together, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships. However, the way we communicate goes beyond just the words we choose—it also involves how those words sound. New research suggests that certain sounds in words can make them more impactful, influencing how we process and remember information.

Understanding Surprisal in Language

Psycholinguistics explores how we use and acquire language. A key concept in this field is "surprisal," which measures how unexpected a word or sound is within a given context. For example, the sequence /st/ in "stick" or "stone" is highly predictable, so it contributes less information. In contrast, unusual sequences like /koi/ in "coil" or "coin" are less common, making them more surprising.

Information theory helps quantify this surprisal by analyzing how much each speech sound contributes to the meaning of a word. Words with predictable sounds carry less information, while those with unique combinations provide more. This makes them stand out in speech and affect how we process them.

Vivid Words and Their Impact

A recent study analyzed 51 million words from spoken American English, focusing on how surprising different words sound. Researchers found that highly vivid words—those that are concrete or specific—are more surprising. These words not only stand out but also improve memory recognition.

For instance, "dog" and "flower" are more vivid than "stun" or "plot." Their surprising sounds help ensure deeper processing and better recall. This suggests that using such words can enhance communication, making ideas more memorable and engaging.

Challenging Traditional Linguistic Views

The discovery that vivid words are more surprising challenges traditional assumptions in linguistics. Many believe that the relationship between a word and its meaning is arbitrary and conventionalized. For example, English uses /tri:/ for "tree," while French uses /aʁbʁə/ (arbre). Despite these differences, both languages successfully convey meaning.

However, there are exceptions. Onomatopoeic words like "cockadoodledoo" or "splash" are considered iconic because their sounds resemble what they represent. These words often have unusual sounds and are similar across languages, making them more surprising.

Why Are Vivid Words More Surprising?

Previous studies have shown that negative words, such as "snake" or "tiger," tend to be more surprising. This may be because they signal danger, reducing the chance of confusion with other words. But why do vivid words also show high levels of surprisal?

We propose that speakers unconsciously create or maintain surprising word forms to draw attention to important concepts. These words grab our attention and stick in our memory more effectively, subtly guiding how we focus and learn from language.

Enhancing Communication Through Surprising Words

The impact of surprising words extends beyond everyday conversation. They could improve personal and professional communication, as well as advertising and public service messaging. Even small improvements in word choice might lead to better engagement and retention.

In education, understanding high-impact words could help students remember complex concepts more easily. Similarly, science communication might benefit from using vivid, surprising words to make information more accessible and memorable.

Conclusion

The sounds of words play a crucial role in how we communicate and remember information. By understanding and leveraging the power of surprisal, we can enhance our ability to connect, teach, and persuade. Whether in daily conversations or professional settings, the right words can make all the difference.