A Study of the Maluma-Takete Effect Among Persian Speakers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Linguistics, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Abstract

The Maluma-Takete effect is a phenomenon in which certain shapes are associated with specific sounds in language.This study aims to investigate whether Persian speakers also experience the Maluma-Takete effect and whether there is a correlation between rounded and sharp phonemes and corresponding shapes.The study also explores whether literacy or illiteracy has any influence on the occurrence of this effect and if there are any gender differences. The study involved 200 participants, including men and women aged 18 to 60 years. Statistical tests such as Phi and Cramer's V were conducted using SPSS 26 software. Findings support previous research. The non-word "Maluma," consisting of rounded phonemes and a shape without sharp edges, showed a strong positive relationship. Similarly, the non-word "Takete," composed of sharp phonemes and a shape with jagged edges, also displayed a strong positive relationship. Gender did not impact participants' responses to shapes, while literacy showed a weak and insignificant relationship. Finally, this study confirms the presence of the Maluma-Takete effect among Persian speakers and suggests that the association between language sounds and shapes is not influenced by literacy or gender. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on sound symbolism and its universal nature.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Research in Western Iranian Languages and Dialects

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 19 February 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics