Human beings have been communicating with each other from time immemorial. By so doing, different forms and iterations of sign language have gradually evolved into what is now commonly known and accepted as spoken and written dialects. These are often translated for the benefit of others who interact by writing and speaking any of the other countless vocabularies exchanged daily on our small planet. Depending on levels of native intelligence, creatures of both land and sea relate with each other and with people as well. For example, let us consider some traits of dolphins and dogs. The former possess a level of maturity that may be second only to that of humans. The latter perform compassionate duties such as search and rescue missions and keeping the physically challenged out of harm’s way. Both dolphins and dogs are extremely sensitive to the distinctive needs and wants of little children. Trees and plants also seem to have acquired ‘people skills’ and at times can even provide us with opportunities for tactile interaction with their ‘clan.’ They identify hostile environments or those suitable for survival, flowering or bearing fruit in appreciation. We may speculate that there ought to be some tangible form of communication linking mankind with the other animate species. One hypothesis is that this boundary or interface is most likely to be music. For simplicity, music may be defined as some combination of melody, harmony and rhythm played according to measure, for producing a result aesthetically pleasing to the ear. Music means different things to each of us but overall it influences areas such as the arts, sciences, history, religion and mathematics. Music is used extensively for education, recreation, rehabilitation and relaxation. The gift of music should be second only to the gift of life itself; yet more often than not, it is taken for granted. Therefore, we ought to recognise the necessity to formally create quiet time and space for introspection, contemplation of self. An obvious way is by listening to the type of music that would nourish and influence our thoughts and deeds in a positive manner. This type of music would teleport us into a zone of tranquillity and comfort before returning us to face the rigours of our daily routine, with renewed vitality. More importantly, this type of music would ensure that we always encourage others to do likewise.
Simeon L Sandiford Human beings have been communicating with each other from time immemorial. By so doing,
different forms and iterations of sign language have gradually evolved into what is now commonly known and accepted as spoken and written dialects. These are often translated for the benefit of others who interact by writing and speaking any of the other countless vocabularies exchanged daily on our small planet. Depending on levels of native intelligence, creatures of both land and sea relate with each other and with people as well. For example, let us consider some traits of dolphins and dogs. The former possess a level of maturity that may be second only to that of humans. The latter perform compassionate duties such as search and rescue missions and keeping the physically challenged out of harm’s way. Both dolphins and dogs are extremely sensitive to the distinctive needs and wants of little children. Trees and plants also seem to have acquired ‘people skills’ and at times can even provide us with opportunities for tactile interaction with their ‘clan.’ They identify hostile environments or those suitable for survival, flowering or bearing fruit in appreciation. We may speculate that there ought to be some tangible form of communication linking mankind with the other animate species. One hypothesis is that this boundary or interface is most likely to be music. For simplicity, music may be defined as some combination of melody, harmony and rhythm played according to measure, for producing a result aesthetically pleasing to the ear. Music means different things to each of us but overall it influences areas such as the arts, sciences, history, religion and mathematics. Music is used extensively for education, recreation, rehabilitation and relaxation. The gift of music should be second only to the gift of life itself; yet more often than not, it is taken for granted. Therefore, we ought to recognise the necessity to formally create quiet time and space for introspection, contemplation of self. An obvious way is by listening to the type of music that would nourish and influence our thoughts and deeds in a positive manner. This type of music would teleport us into a zone of tranquillity and comfort before returning us to face the rigours of our daily routine, with renewed vitality. More importantly, this type of music would ensure that we always encourage others to do likewise. |
Can music be the universal language for communication?
Sunday, 09 October 2011 18:10
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