Module ’Aural Cultures: Anthropology and Sound’

November 26-28, 2015

Prof. Walter Leimgruber, Basel

Dr. Karoline Oehme

Fanny Gutsche

Prof David Samuels, New York University Prof Michael Bull, University of Sussex Brighton UK

As a field of anthropological research, sound and aural cultures are relatively new topics. One of the reasons why sound was integrated into an anthropological approach comparatively late is that sound as an ephemeral and intangible cultural manifestation was first recorded at the end of the 19th Century when T. Edison invented the phonograph. Until today, technological innovations and the use of sound as an object of research are strongly connected (Samuels 2010). While the first sound researchers used sound for documentation purposes (mainly to preserve endangered music and sound), since the 1970’s, sound as concept of social significance gained more theoretical attention. R. Murray Schafer introduced the term “soundscape” as all acoustical manifestations that the ear is able to perceive in a specific setting and called for a “a total appreciation of the acoustic environment” (Schafer 1977). Further pioneering works include Steven Feld’s rainforest studies and Anthony Seeger’s research on Amazonian sound culture. Today, acoustical approaches in the field of anthropology are concerned with urban sound cultures, listening practices, acoustic identities, aural media practices, music industry, technological conditions, sounding history, etc. In this module, we ask questions about the aurality of culture as one of the sensual ways of experiencing and perceiving our environment. How can sound contribute to another way of understanding culture other than, for instance, visual and cognitive approaches? Which anthropologically relevant fields and data can be studied by focusing on sound? How can sound be used as a method or tool of research (e.g. sound walk)? This module aims to provide an overview of sound approaches in anthropology: important sound concepts and terms will be discussed, and path-breaking fieldworks introduced. The workshop also looks at the importance of acoustic media as an object and source for anthropological research. The participants are asked to examine their own research projects from a sounding perspective. They should be prepared to perceive sonic aspects within their fields of study as well as to consider sound as a possible research tool.

Seminarhotel Wasserfallen, Reigoldswil

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