I’ve often that a very few facial expressions are universal, as in anyone from inuit to busman would understand a happy smile. Are there any vocal utterances that are similarly universal?
I turned up one thread from 2001 in which it is agreed that “Ouch” is not universal, in which one poster offered “huh” and a quizzical expression of confusion. I thought of this on the 4th as I was watching fireworks, and wondered if people everywhere said “Oooh!”
Somewhat related question, I also wondered to what extent the exclamation of “ooh” was an involuntary manifestation of one’s mood, as opposed to an attempt to communicate one’s mental state.
Something very close to “mah” means “Mother” in almost every language. I have often wondered if this is a universal baby sound for “one who cares for me.”
I read in a book on dog training that pretty much everybody uses higher pitched staccato noises to speed an animal up (horses, camels, etc.) and a low, slow sound to slow it down. Contrast “Giddyup!” with “Whoa!”
I realize that crying and laughter have sound elements, but they are not exactly what I was thinking about.
What do you think about the voluntary/involuntary nature of such expressions? Are you more or less likely to say “ouch” if you stub your toe, or “eek” if you see a bug, depending on whether you are alone or in company?
Yes it is nearly universal. The reason is that infants naturally make the “m” sound while nursing (lips touching, air passes through the nose.)
Regarding the OP, afaik, the only other universal expression is nodding/head shaking for yes/no, and even then, there’s an exception. At least one culture does the opposite.
In fact, different cultures interpret animal sounds differently (in other words, a cow moos differently in Korean. In Korea, a cow says “uma.”)
Nope. In Japanese, you here “anoooo”, when someone is pausing to think. Or, if you ask a question that makes them uncomfortable to answer, they well make an “s” sucking sound, while tilting their heads, and/or rubbing the back of their heads with their hands.
Maybe you’re right, but right now it doesn’t ring a bell. I’m not sure what you mean by “la-la-la”; is it like a song, or something else? When I’m searching for a word, I use something like “uh” with maybe a ‘m’ at the end.
Sha-zoom!
Very unlikely, as it’s a word of American English origin. If it’s used in many languages today, it’s only because of the influence of American culture.
