The singular thing or event that catches one’s attention is called
a. sensory
b. attention
c. stimulus
d. memory

Stimulus refers to events that catch a person's attention. A stimulus is usually produced in the external environment of an individual. These things enable a person to give the necessary response (positive or negative) to the given situation.

An example of a stimulus is when your hand touches a hot stove. The immediate reaction of the nervous system is to remove the hand from the hot stove to prevent you from getting hurt further. These stimuli can come in many different forms and the body is just ready to accept and think quick as to what the next safest move will be.

Dialect is probably part of the answer