The connection between language and music is one of the oldest debates in the history of humanity. In this course, we will explore this issue by surveying African languages and language-based music (e.g., talking drums, xylophones, singing, and chants). Students will learn about the building blocks of human language and the linguistic features unique to African languages. We will focus on how various African cultures communicate by transposing linguistic features to musical melodies and how listeners comprehend this musical code.
The connection between language and music is one of the oldest debates in the history of humanity. In this course, we will explore this issue by surveying African languages and language-based music (e.g., talking drums, xylophones, singing, and chants). Students will learn about the building blocks of human language and the linguistic features unique to African languages. We will focus on how various African cultures communicate by transposing linguistic features to musical melodies and how listeners comprehend this musical code.
