From the beat of traditional drums to the rattle of subway trains, our sonic enviroment shapes how we experience the world around us. From the endless blaring of city horns to the melodic rhythm of a river, every city has a unique sonic expereince. This article delves into the world of Cultural Soundscapes, exploring how the sounds of a country develop and change over time.
1. Exploring the Dynamics of a Cultural Soundscape
Music is a language of its own – transcending borders and uniting different cultures. Soundscapes, from classical choral pieces to pop-infused anthems, have the power to evoke certain emotions and feelings. Its composition of sounds can conjure memories of place, time, and personal experiences.
Components of a Cultural Soundscape
- Traditions – traditional instruments and local folk sing alongs.
- Influences – the impact of foreign music interspersed with regional sounds.
- Technology – progressive sounds made through emerging media technologies.
Studying the composition of cultural soundscapes offers insight into the many components that comprise it. In turn, this can see us appreciate the way in which our musical culture has been shaped. For example, the energized beats of African reggae are a combination of traditional percussion instruments and influences drawn from Jamaican ska and rocksteady.
Similarly, the Australian soundscape is full of stories from its rich, Indigenous heritage fused with the flavours of contemporary beats. The didgeridoo is an instrument of the Aboriginal culture dating back thousands of years and continues to be a distinctive sound of Australia today. Its unique tones, along with influences from country and rock music, set Australia apart from other countries and create a musical journey through Australia’s history.
The advent of digital technologies across the world also opens new avenues for music composition. Across the globe, we can find new ways of creating soundscapes, such as computerised composers. With the produce of these technologies, aural art can be formed with the merging of a variety of international sounds and dialects.
Music is an inimitable form of expression that continues to evolve and reflect different cultures through sound. Understanding and exploring the differing components that make up a cultural soundscape provides an in-depth look into the identities, values and uniqueness that define a society.
2. Distinct Sounds & Distinct Identities
As we travel throughout the world, it’s impossible to ignore the distinct sounds that can be heard. Whether it’s folk music in Africa, reggae in Jamaica, or brassy mariachi in Mexico, each sound can tell us something about the culture of the region it originates from.
Instruments & Music Genres
- African dances accompanied by drums and other instruments often include call and response patterns.
- Jamaican reggae is heavily reliant on bass, keyboards, and other instruments.
- Mariachi music in Mexico includes harmonicas, violins, trumpets, and guitars.
Each of these distinct sounds, created by the various instruments from around the world, are more than mere background noise; they have the power to bring people together. Whether it’s a group of friends in a Jamaican bar, or a traditional African ceremony, music allows each culture to show off their unique identity.
Singing & Chanting
- The Mbuti of the Congo sing and chant to celebrate their ancestors.
- During a Mexican fiesta, people will often sing traditional songs such as corridos.
- In Japan, traditional shamisen music features a narrative style of singing known as “sangen”.
Thoughts, beliefs, and values are given a voice through these distinct sounds. What would African ceremonies be like without the beat of the drums? How would we communicate our ideas in Mexican culture without corridos? These distinct sounds tie us together as a global society, yet it’s the individual artistic expressions that bring these cultures to life.
Dance & Movement
- Throughout the Middle East, dances are typically performed to a drum beat.
- In India, people perform traditional bhangra dances to commemorate special occasions.
- Brazil is home to a variety of dances, such Samba, which is typically performed in pairs.
Dance is often used in culture to tell a story. In India, bhangra embraces the rustic roots of the country’s rural culture through energetic dance. In Brazil, Samba is seen in a “call and response” pattern that often narrates the struggles of everyday life. From the snare drums of Ireland to the festive dances of Cuba, distinct sounds and identities are truly a global phenomenon.
3. Tuning Into a Cultural Symphony
Exploring the many languages, customs, and beliefs may appear daunting from the outside. But when observed closely, the complexities of a culture can come alive in a vibrant symphony. To truly understand these harmonious interwoven notes, here are a few tips:
- Speak the Language: Learn the language of the culture, as it will open many doors. Knowing the language will open up conversations, help you navigate through life, and show respect for the customs and beliefs.
- Travel: Touring another culture can be incredibly eye-opening. Seeing the architecture, tasting the food, and being a part of the locals’ everyday life can make a lasting impression.
- Experience: From attending a festival, to taking part in an age-old tradition, experiencing a culture is the perfect way to deepen your understanding. These actions become a part of us, as they will often stay with us throughout our lives.
offers a way to expand our minds and journey towards understanding. By reading books, watching documentaries, talking with locals, and participating in cultural activities, we draw closer to understanding our differences. When we experience the variety of cultures in the world we can uncover the subtle nuances, the vibrant culture, and the varied customs and beliefs of every society.
By delving into a culture’s music, food, art, and language, we can come one step closer to learning what makes each one so special. We can draw connections between cultures and make informed decisions about our lives. As we do so, we feel more connected to our global society.
4. Listening as a Means of Appreciation
Sometimes, the greatest way to show appreciation is to listen. Listening to someone with an open and welcoming ear can be just as meaningful as a gift, a thank you card, or a kind gesture.
Through listening, you open yourself up to not only understanding someone else, but building a connection that can last a lifetime. It allows you to truly appreciate who a person is, and why. You can build a mutual respect for each other and recognize each other’s uniqueness.
Listening is an act of kindness and can be life-changing. Here’s why it is an easy, yet powerful way to show appreciation:
- It can deepen a relationship. By listening, you are opening yourself to another person and allowing them to feel heard and validated. This strengthens relationships, lets those close to you know that you care about them and their needs.
- It shows you value someone’s opinion. Listening indicates that you recognize someone’s point of view is just as valid as yours and gives it the respect it deserves.
- It opens the door to trust. People who are listened to tend to trust more and be more open to new possibilities. If you can show that you value someone’s opinion and trust their advice, this can open new doors in your relationship.
Listening is an act of politeness and kindness. It is an underrated way of showing appreciation and can be the key to unlocking meaningful relationships otherwise closed off to us.
The cultural soundscape is a powerful tool in our understanding of the world and our ability to move through it. It is an ever-changing sonic landscape that provides a reflection of the life and history of a place from its most recognizable sounds to those that are so deeply ingrained in our culture that they often go unnoticed. It is a beautiful way to learn more about our world and the incredible ways in which sound, culture, and geography intersect.
