What best describes the meaning of sound association?

Sound association, also known as phonetic symbolism, is a phenomenon where the sound of a word or phrase evokes a specific feeling, image, or concept. It's about the relationship between the sound of language and its meaning, suggesting that certain sounds are inherently connected to certain ideas.

Here's a breakdown of what sound association entails:

* It's about the sound, not the meaning: The association is based on the *how* a word sounds, not its literal definition.

* It's often subconscious: We don't consciously analyze the sounds of words to understand their meaning; it's an automatic response.

* It's cross-cultural, but not universal: While there are some common sound associations across cultures, the specific associations can vary depending on language and cultural background.

Examples of sound association:

* "Malicious" and "malignant" sound harsh and sharp, evoking a sense of danger and negativity.

* "Gentle" and "peaceful" have smooth, flowing sounds, suggesting calmness and tranquility.

* "Tiny" and "little" have short, quick sounds, corresponding to their meaning of small size.

Overall, sound association is a fascinating aspect of language that helps us understand how our brains process information and connect meaning to the sounds we hear.