Ordinal linguistic personification

Ordinal Linguistic Personification (OLP) is a form of synesthesia in which numbers, days of the week, months, and other ordered sequences are associated with personalities. Unlike other forms of synesthesia, where letters or numbers might be associated with colors or tastes, OLP involves a complex and involuntary linking of ordered sequences to a rich inner world of personifications. This phenomenon is a vivid example of how the human brain can blend different cognitive processes, in this case, numbers and personality traits.

Overview

OLP is considered a rare manifestation of synesthesia, a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway. People with OLP, often referred to as synesthetes, might perceive the number 2 as a shy, feminine character, while the number 7 might be seen as a bold, authoritative male figure. These personifications can vary widely among individuals, but they are typically consistent over time for those who experience them.

Characteristics

The characteristics of OLP can vary significantly from one individual to another. However, common features include:

• Consistency: The personifications associated with numbers or sequences are usually consistent over time for the individual.
• Involuntariness: The associations occur automatically and cannot be controlled by the person experiencing them.
• Personality Traits: The sequences are not just seen as having human-like qualities but often have complex personalities, genders, and sometimes even physical appearances in the mind's eye of the synesthete.
• Emotional Connection: Individuals with OLP often feel a strong emotional connection to their personifications, treating them as real entities in their mental landscape.

Causes and Theories

The exact cause of OLP, like other forms of synesthesia, remains largely unknown. However, several theories have been proposed to explain its occurrence:

• Genetic Factors: There is evidence to suggest that synesthesia, including OLP, has a genetic component and can run in families.
• Neural Cross-Wiring: Some researchers believe that synesthesia results from the "cross-wiring" or increased connectivity between different areas of the brain that are not typically connected in non-synesthetes.
• Neurodevelopmental: Another theory suggests that all humans are born with the potential for synesthetic experiences, but as the brain matures, these connections are pruned. In synesthetes, this pruning may be less effective, allowing for the persistence of these unusual connections.

Diagnosis and Prevalence

Diagnosing OLP involves a detailed interview and assessment by a professional familiar with synesthesia. There are no standard diagnostic tests, but certain questionnaires and interviews have been developed to identify the condition. The prevalence of OLP is not well-documented, but synesthesia, in general, is estimated to affect approximately 4% of the population.

Implications

While OLP and other forms of synesthesia are not considered disabilities and often do not require treatment, understanding these conditions can provide valuable insights into human cognition and the brain's functioning. For individuals with OLP, their unique perceptions can enrich their lives, offering a more vivid experience of the world around them.

See Also

• Synesthesia
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Psychology of Art