Some researchers have argued that the structure of a language one typically uses influences thought. For example, languages differ on how to describe auditory pitch. Some languages, like English, use the vertical dimension (high/low) while others, like Farsi, use the horizontal dimension (fat/skinny). The purpose of the present set of studies is to test the Hierarchical Mental Metaphors Theory, a theory devised to explain studies on pitch metaphors. According to this theory, some metaphors are established nonverbally in infancy (e.g., both high/low and fat/skinny) and with language acquisition and use, speakers have an easier time activating the standard metaphor of their language. In Study 1, we tested whether English speakers do not, in fact, activate the Farsi pitch metaphor. In Study 2, we tested whether English speakers can unlearn their pitch metaphor (e.g., associate high lines with low notes). In Study 3, we tested whether the ability to unlearn a pitch metaphor is related to cognitive flexibility or Stroop performance. The results are interesting and (to me, at least) surprising.

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