Semantic motivation

The gesture of s̆ɔ mimics the physical experience of:

• something coming from the environment

• something that is not contained

• something that touches the body from outside

For this reason, s̆ɔ established itself as a marker of exteriority, often with a value of origin or external condition.

s̆ɔ = “outside; coming from outside”

s̆ɔ is born from the opposite sensation: exposure to the outside, contact and openness.

• /s̆/ (palatalized fricative):

  • air friction production

  • scratchy, audible, projected sound

  • indicates contact with the environment

  • air pass gesture out

• /ɔ/ (open back rounded vowel):

  • mouth open

  • rounded and projected lips

  • vocal tract expansion

  • sense of large, outdoor space

The sequence /s̆ɔ/ embodies:

• opening

• output

• exhibition

• external provenance