Sound mimesis in various cultures explained

The imitation of natural sounds in various cultures is a diverse phenomenon and can fill in various functions. In several instances, it is related to the belief system (yoiks of the Sami,[1] [2] [3] [4] some other shamanic songs and rituals,[5] [6] [7] overtone singing of some cultures). It may serve also such practical goals as luring in the hunt; or entertainment (katajjaqs of Inuit).

Among some peoples of the Altai-Sayan region, including Tofa, the ability to mimic sounds of the environment includes hunting calls, and is present also in a traditional singing tradition preserved only by some old people.[8]

Fields

Shamanism

See main article: Imitation of sounds in shamanism. Shamanism in various cultures shows great diversity.[9] In some cultures, the music or songs related to shamanistic practice may mimic natural sounds, sometimes with onomatopoeia.[10]

Entertainment

The intention to mimic natural sounds is not necessarily linked to shamanistic beliefs or practice alone. Katajjaq (a "genre" of music of some Inuit groups) is a game played by women, for entertainment. In some instances, natural sounds (mostly those of animals, e.g. geese) are imitated.[11] [12]

Luring animals

The kind of katajjaq mentioned above, which mimics the cry of geese, shows some similarities with the practice of the hunters to lure game.[11]

Some Inuit used a tool (shaped like a claw) to scratch the ice of the frozen sea in order to attract seals.[13] [14]

See also

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Szomjas-Schiffert 1996: 56, 76
  2. Szomjas-Schiffert 1996: 64
  3. http://www.uit.no/ssweb/dok/Somby/Ande/95.htm Somby 1995
  4. Szomjas-Schiffert 1996: 74
  5. Diószegi 1960: 203
  6. Hoppál 2005: 92
  7. http://haldjas.folklore.ee/~aado/tent.htm Lintrop
  8. Web site: Song ond sound mimesis. Foundation for Endangered Languages .
  9. Hoppál 2005: 15
  10. http://dasa.baua.de/nn_35984/sid_2C8A99B3F31A58C62BBE3312986DC568/nsc_true/de/Presse/Pressematerialien/Sonderausstellung_20Macht_20Musik/Schamanen-Musik.pdf Hoppál 2006: 143
  11. Nattiez: 5
  12. http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/inuit.htm Deschênes 2002
  13. Burch & Forman 1988: 56–57
  14. Birket-Smith 1969: 127

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