Intervals in Language
Memorable melodies are constructed using notes that have wider intervals between them. For example, a melody that is C - D - E is less memorable than C - G# - D#. This is likely because C - D - E played repeatedly feels like part of a continuum, a spectrum, an expected pattern that doesn't register in the brain as an entity, but as theory, a rule. However, the C - G# - D motif is memorable, unexpected at least, and if repeated enough, will live longer in the brain. The brain adjusts to this new harmonic reality.
Now that music is a language, I wonder if this is applicable to words and phrases. If I had to describe a book, I could say "good book", "big book", or "heavy book", all of which seem like expected adjective choices. But if I say "petulant book", or a "soapy book", on the outset, it seems nonsensical. But the human brain is so wonderful that I can now add a sense of smell, taste, and texture to the feeling and emotion of an inanimate object, just by using words that are distant in association. This pushes the brain to give life to something that never existed.
Now that music is a language, I wonder if this is applicable to words and phrases. If I had to describe a book, I could say "good book", "big book", or "heavy book", all of which seem like expected adjective choices. But if I say "petulant book", or a "soapy book", on the outset, it seems nonsensical. But the human brain is so wonderful that I can now add a sense of smell, taste, and texture to the feeling and emotion of an inanimate object, just by using words that are distant in association. This pushes the brain to give life to something that never existed.