Having remembered about an aspect of the Canaries culture relating to sound about a whistling language from the island of La Gomera, I think an ethnography on this subject will be quite interesting and informative for my own understanding about the use of non-verbal sonic communication. It is probably a subject quite well covered, but I think if I contextualise it in a fitting manor that fits within the guidelines of the assignment it will be beneficial as I will be able to develop my academic writing skills as well as methodology of research, critical analysation and quoting skills.

From what I can remember, the whistling language was used as means to carry messages across long distances because the island has mountainous terrain with quite a bit of foliage.

I would like to understand it’s primary uses, it’s origin and developments, along with whether it is useful in a time where technology exists that allows us to communicate over long distance immediately. Beyond this, it would be good to acknowledge the sonic qualities it possesses and distinct character in contrast to languages of a similar way of “sonicking” or musicking (I’m not sure if this term is correct in this situation).

I would have liked to cover something more in relation to my maternal heritage of the Philippines but I think this subject will be of more value to cover because of it’s distinct unique sonic impact culturally as a technological vehicle of communicating in a utilitarian fashion in contrast to a musical or artistic sonic aspect of a culture. The fact that it’s purpose is simple and not (from what I can recall) ritualistic or a means of artistic expression makes it all the more intriguing to me as it means it has arrived more naturally as a part of the culture because of its necessity as a means of survival and life as opposed to enriching life.