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Words spelled with more letters on the right of the keyboard are associated with more positive emotions than words spelled with more letters on the left, according to new research by cognitive scientists Kyle Jasmin of University College London and Daniel Casasanto of The New School for Social Research, New York. Their work shows, for the first time, that there is a link between the meaning of words and the way they are typed – a relationship they call the QWERTY effect…
Linguists have long believed that the meanings of words are independent of their forms, an idea known as the “arbitrariness of the sign.” But the QWERTY effect suggests the written forms of words can influence their meanings, challenging this traditional view.Should parents stick to the positive side of their keyboards when picking baby names – Molly instead of Sara? Jimmy instead of Fred? According to the authors, “People responsible for naming new products, brands, and companies might do well to consider the potential advantages of consulting their keyboards and choosing the ‘right’ name.” -Science Daily
Fiction Writing Prompt: Write a story with characters that you’ve name using the QWERTY effect. Pay attention to how you feel about the characters now that you’re aware. Is it affecting your perception?
Journaling Prompt: Analyze your name. What does it say about you if the QWERTY effect is real? If you were going to rename yourself to use the effect to your advantage, what name would you choose?
Art Prompt: QWERTY
Non-Fiction / Speechwriting Prompt: Compare and contrast brand names using the QWERTY effect information. Look for the humor!
Photo Credit: bennylin0724 on Flickr
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