Exploring the Types of Synesthesia
In my previous article, https://www.bulbapp.io/p/ce77d60d-5d76-4c2e-b1e1-82fa7a016545/the-fascination-with-synesthesia-experiencing-a-world-in-color-and-sound
we talked about synesthesia and how to understand and live with synethesia but in this article, we would be elaborating on the types of synesthesia with examples and different scenarios. Just to refresh your memory, I will remind you all on what synesthesia is.
What is Synethesia?
Synesthesia is a unique neurological condition where the stimulation of one sensory pathway involuntarily triggers experiences in another. This blending of the senses results in vivid, cross-sensory perceptions that are consistent and automatic for those who experience them. Although synesthesia is rare, it offers fascinating insights into the human brain and sensory perception.
Here, we delve deeply into various types of synesthesia, providing examples and scenarios to illustrate how these sensory overlaps manifest in everyday life.
1. Grapheme-Color Synesthesia
Example: Imagine a person named Sarah who experiences grapheme-color synesthesia. When she looks at the word "apple," the letters "A" and "P" appear red, while "L" and "E" are green. This color association helps her in various ways, such as in recalling information or distinguishing between different characters in text. For Sarah, the colors add a layer of meaning to written words, enhancing her reading experience.
Scenario: In a classroom setting, a student with grapheme-color synesthesia might find certain letters easier to remember because their associated colors create a more vivid memory. For example, if the letter "B" is always blue and the letter "T" is green, the student might find it easier to recall words or mathematical equations that involve these letters.
2. Chromesthesia
Daniel Tammet, synesthete and author:"For me, numbers are not just abstract symbols but vivid shapes and colors. Seven, for example, is always orange and shaped like a hexagon. Synesthesia adds a layer of beauty and depth to my experience of the world."
For individuals with chromesthesia, music, voices, or other auditory stimuli trigger the experience of colors, shapes, or textures.
Example: Consider a musician named David who experiences chromesthesia. When he hears a particular piano note, he might see a burst of yellow. The sound of a violin could produce a blue swirl in his visual field. This cross-sensory experience allows David to incorporate colors and visual elements into his music compositions, adding a unique dimension to his creative process.
Scenario: During a concert, David is playing a piece that features a dramatic crescendo. As the music builds, he perceives a wave of vibrant red and orange colors. These visual experiences help him gauge the intensity and emotional impact of the music, enhancing his performance and emotional connection with the audience.
3. Lexical-Gustatory Synesthesia
Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and author, explained it well: “For synesthetes, one kind of stimulation leads to an involuntary, automatic experience of a different kind. The colors of letters, the tastes of words, and the shapes of sounds are all part of this vivid sensory integration.”
Example: Imagine a woman named Emily who has lexical-gustatory synesthesia. When she hears the word "banana," she tastes a banana flavor in her mouth. Similarly, the word "cinnamon" might produce a spicy cinnamon taste. This sensory overlap can make conversations and verbal interactions more intense for Emily, as she experiences a physical taste alongside the spoken words.
Scenario: During a dinner party, Emily engages in conversation about different foods. As guests mention various dishes and ingredients, she experiences a range of tastes corresponding to the words spoken. This unique sensory experience enhances her enjoyment of the conversation, making the event more memorable and flavorful.
4. Spatial Sequence Synesthesia
Example: A person named Alex who has spatial sequence synesthesia might visualize the months of the year arranged in a circular or spiral pattern around him. January might be at the top, while December is at the bottom. This spatial organization helps Alex quickly recall dates and sequences, as the information is mapped out in a spatial context.
Scenario: When Alex needs to plan a project timeline, he visualizes the months in his mind and places deadlines at specific points around the circular arrangement. This spatial visualization aids in organizing and managing tasks, providing a clear and intuitive sense of time.
5. Number-Form Synesthesia
“Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, and the soul is the piano with many strings. The painter uses color to resonate with the viewer’s soul in the same way that music uses sound to evoke emotion.”- Wassily Kandinsky
People with this type see numbers arranged in particular ways or paths in their mind's eye.
Example: A mathematician named Laura experiences number-form synesthesia. When she thinks about numbers, she visualizes them following a distinct trajectory or pattern. The number "5" might always appear on the right side of her visual field, while "2" might be located on the left. This spatial arrangement helps Laura in calculations and number-related tasks.
Scenario: While solving a complex mathematical problem, Laura visualizes the numbers on a mental number line. The familiar spatial arrangement of numbers assists her in quickly locating values and performing calculations, streamlining her problem-solving process.
6. Ordinal Linguistic Personification
Example: A person named Mark with ordinal linguistic personification might view the number "3" as a friendly female figure, while "7" appears as a stern male figure. This anthropomorphic experience adds a layer of personality to numerical sequences, influencing Mark's interactions with numbers.
Scenario: During a statistical analysis, Mark might perceive the number "5" as a supportive collaborator and "8" as a challenging opponent. This personification affects his approach to working with data, as he interacts with numbers as if they had individual traits and behaviors.
Conclusion
Synesthesia is a fascinating condition that reveals the complexities of sensory perception and neural connectivity. Each type of synesthesia offers a unique perspective on how individuals experience and interpret the world. By understanding these various forms, we gain insights into the diverse ways in which human perception can blend and overlap, enhancing our appreciation of the rich tapestry of sensory experiences.
