Applied Ethnomusicology: The Benefits of Approaching Music as a Heart Language

Abstract

Music is an important part of every culture and is often inseparable from language. Throughout history oral societies have used music as a powerful means of communication. A culture’s music styles often provide solidarity and a sense of identity within that culture. The outside influences of modern technology, media, and formal education can greatly effect the music of minority language groups. Those influences may diminish or accentuate the music of a particular language group depending on how they are responded to by various communities within that language group.

In this article we will explore the power that indigenous music has as a heart-language and as a means of communication. We will also explore the indigenous use of music as a potent memory aid and instructional vehicle Ethnomusicology has several parallels to linguistics and the two fields of study can work together in reviving endangered languages. We will suggest approaches for using culturally relevant music as a primary tool for language and culture revitalization through encouraging mother-tongue speakers to research the music as used by their own language group.