A problematic prediction of nativism

[jess tauber]

Hmmm- interesting. Some years ago I noticed, in my oh so widely recognized, accepted, and respected work on sound symbolism, a relatively weak but definitely present tendency for words with clicks to have something to do with moisture content. In the context of the Kalahari, and the well-known dessication of much of Africa in past times, this might be relevant. Bushmen knowing where every errant microdroplet of water is hiding, and how to extract it, and so on.

So if ejectives get you altitude, do clicks associate with adaptation to desert life (not talking about wells here). Frank Herbert missed this one. So, what goes with heat and cold??

Jess Tauber
phonosemantics at earthlink.net