Words, Words & More Words

This Article was written by Padma Shaiju, Year 7

The average 20 year old knows between 2700 and 5200 different words.

With every word that is spoken or directed to use, the brain has to make a swift decision on which of the thousands of words fits to reply or relate to the word that has been directed. 98% of the time the brain chooses the right word. Every time we hear a word, there is a brief explosion in our mind as our brain processes all the words it knows and what it should respond with. The recognition point is when the brain has settled on one final word, like choosing an item from a menu. Keeping this in mind; I have interviewed a few students and asked them to answer with the first word that comes to mind when I give a random prompt. As you can see, some words are more popular than others. Usually people answer with subjects that are related to the word- but saying a word that rhymes to it is also normal.

Interviewee. Prompt	​Anne Gottert	​Sophia Waltenspuhl	​Laura Bravim	​Natalie James
House	​Garden	Flat	Living Room	​Mouse
Cat	​Meow	Meow	Dog	Latch
Library	Man	Shhh	Library	Books
Clock	Tick	​Tick Tock	Time	Numbers
Dragon	Rawr	Hiss	Jurassic Park	Volcano
​Snow	​Carrot	Snowman	Cold	Plough

What is the first the thing that comes to mind when you hear those words?

Let us know!