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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
05:38
Interaction between Phonological and Semantic Processes in Visual Word Recognition using Electrophysiology
Published on: June 29, 2021
2.8K
Phonemic composition influences words' aesthetic appeal and memorability
Theresa Matzinger1,2, David Košić1
1Department of English and American Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Plos One
|December 3, 2025
Summary
Highly appealing pseudowords were recalled most often, despite not being rated as most appealing. Word appeal and memorability are linked, impacting language learning and marketing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Linguistics
- Psycholinguistics
Background:
- Positive emotions enhance memory.
- The link between aesthetic appeal and linguistic memory is not well understood.
- Word aesthetics may influence cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the aesthetic appeal of pseudowords and their memorability.
- To determine if phonemic composition influences word appeal and recall.
- To explore the role of aesthetic appeal in linguistic memory.
Main Methods:
- Designed pseudowords with varying appeal using phoneme rankings.
- Participants memorized pseudowords and completed free recall tests.
- Assessed pseudoword appeal through participant ratings.
Main Results:
- Pseudowords designed for high appeal were recalled most frequently.
- Participants rated intermediate-appeal pseudowords as more appealing than high-appeal ones.
- Recalled words generally received higher appeal ratings than non-recalled words.
Conclusions:
- The phonemic and phonotactic structure of words possesses aesthetic value correlated with memorability.
- Aesthetic appeal influences linguistic memory, independent of explicit appeal ratings.
- Findings have implications for language learning, marketing, and understanding language evolution.
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