Serious Inquiries Only SIO464: All About Synesthesia, Part 2
Nov 1, 2024
Dr. Jenessa Seymour returns to delve deeper into synesthesia, a captivating neurological phenomenon. She discusses incredible case studies, showcasing individuals who perceive colors that have never been seen. The conversation reveals how synesthetic experiences vary greatly, from linking sounds to colors to feeling sensations through others. Dr. Seymour also shares insights into the brain's adaptability and the interplay between sensory perception and neuroplasticity, making us reconsider how we experience the world around us.
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Strong vs. Weak Synesthesia
- Synesthesia is distinguished from weak synesthesia by its idiosyncratic nature and lack of agreement among individuals.
- Weak synesthesia, like metaphors (e.g., "loud shirt"), is shared and facilitates language development.
Booba-Kiki Experiment
- The Booba-Kiki experiment demonstrates a near-universal agreement in associating sounds with shapes.
- Most people link "kiki" to a spiky shape and "booba" to a rounded one, suggesting a cross-modal correspondence.
Synesthesia as Sensory Experience
- Synesthesia is a genuine sensory experience, not merely metaphorical or made up.
- Individuals with synesthesia perceive it consistently and strongly, as evidenced by cases like the twins arguing over the color of Tuesday.
