Why Music Is Not a Universal Language

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Why Music Is Not a Universal Language
Physics and culture shape music, but as a recent video essay breaks it down, the results are more varied that most people think Class Zachary Kee)
By Marissa Fessenden
smithsonian.com
 

Every so often, a study grabs headlines as researchers attempt to answer the question: “Is music a universal language?” The way that chords can tug at heartstrings and tear ducts without words might lead people to assume that music can transcend differences of speech to convey emotions. Ethen of the Sideways YouTube channel, however, makes compelling case for why the answer is a strong “No.” Or, at least, a thoughtful “This is a badly worded question.”

Yes, there are some elements that music traditions around the world seem to share. But, as Sideways’ latest video essay points out, “That’s because we’re all basically the same from an anatomical perspective and we all live on Earth, which exists in the universe and has to abide by the laws of nature.”

Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-music-not-universal-language-180968245/#TTS1meA5rQXGEf6o.99
 

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