Music is woven into our shared global fabric. Considered to be a pivotal aspect of what makes us human. It has the power to connect those from far and wide. Whilst at the same time, being so very personal. Representative of specific communities and individuals.
Unless you are a linguistic show-off, there are at the very least a handful of languages that you do not have fluency in. This means there is music floating through the airwaves, of which the lyrics are a complete mystery to you.
It is undeniable that lyrics are often the aspect of a song where the most connection is derived between the writer and their audience. When that connection becomes hindered by an unknown language, our brains register songs very differently.
If you’re like me and language is no barrier to enjoying music. Do you ever ponder what it is that draws you to songs where a key element lies beyond your reach?
So, what is the appeal of listening to music in a foreign tongue?
The voice, when singing in a language unfamiliar to us. Is registered by our brains as if it were just another instrument. Making the song ostensibly an instrumental track. When the meaning of those words are removed from the equation, much like the loss of a sense heightening those ones remaining. The ear focuses on the other qualities of the vocals. The notes being sung are where we are drawn when the content of the words are removed. Depending on elements such as, the language, the key of the vocal performance, and the way it’s sung. The vocal either becomes a melodic line or percussive line within the track. Unlike visual mediums like Film, the medium of music does not rely on the audience understanding what is being said. Understanding a narrative is not at the root of enjoying the art form. In many cases it is quite the opposite. The intrigue and mystery allows the listener to contrive their own narrative as they see fit.
Languages are fascinating concepts. Evolving in their own regional pockets. Once isolated by geography and now accessible to all in this globalised world in which we live. Each with unique features and irregularities. Many languages contain words that are completely unique and simply cannot be translated. This means that each of the planet’s over 7,000 spoken languages, have their own idiosyncratic musical qualities and attributes. That cannot be replicated in another language. Vocabularies dictate the breadth of words an artist has to choose from. This is no different for languages. Different words provide the opportunity for different rhymes and rhythms. Moreover, elements such as the sentence structure and cadence of a spoken language, has a significant influence on the sound of a culture’s music. For example, in languages where the letter ‘R’ is rolled. A staccato element to the vocal performance is added naturally. Other languages with soft vowel sounds, have the effect of a fabric curtain wafting in the wind. Floating gently across the instrumental backing.
When the understanding of lyrics is absent, a song’s meaning is replaced by its feeling. The foreign ear is drawn to how the music sounds and the feeling it evokes. For they are unable to discern the words being sung. This can often provide unique experiences for listeners, as they are not dictated to by language. The listener is not straining to understand, they are simply listening.
The heavily bandied around saying, ignorances is bliss, is often done so for it’s apparent truth. In this case, the rule is proven. It is the lack of understanding that is as much an appeal as the musical qualities themselves. By having the lyrics to a song be an unknown quality, we are free from all inherent biases we may hold. The music exists without prejudice from our ears.
