Phonetic Iconicity – Lost in Research

Abstract

A simple googling of the expression phonetic iconicity gives more than 500,000 results. The number of results for sound symbolism is even higher – 5,240,000. Apparently, the idea that we know what is hidden behind the naming process is attractive and provoking at the same time. It results in numerous research studies with one basic aim – to prove the universal nature of phonetic iconicity. The goal of the paper is to summarize and compare 36 experiments in the field of phonetic iconicity.