They ended up with recordings from 315 individuals from 60 different cultures around the world, which is a pretty impressive sample size. And then they analyzed the tunes using software that calculates the similarity between songs based on the notes they contain. What they found was pretty cool: across the board, the songs were more similar within cultures than between them. In other words, people from the same culture tend to sing in similar ways, even if they’re singing different songs. This suggests that there’s something cultural about the way we sing, not just something innate to our vocal cords.
But the really interesting part came when the researchers compared the songs to each other based on the notes they contained. They found that, even though songs from different cultures might sound quite different to our ears, they actually share a lot of underlying structure. Specifically, they found that songs from different cultures tend to follow the same patterns of harmony and melody, even if the specific notes and rhythms are different. This suggests that there might be some universal principles of music that are shared across all human cultures.
Feltman: That’s fascinating. So what does this tell us about why humans sing?
Parshall: Well, the researchers argue that these findings support the idea that music played a role in human evolution beyond just being a by-product of language. If music was solely a by-product, you’d expect to see more variation between cultures in the way they sing. But the fact that there are these universal patterns suggests that music might serve some sort of fundamental communicative function that is separate from language. This could explain why humans across the globe have a deep-seated urge to sing and make music, even when it doesn’t serve an obvious survival purpose.
So, in a way, these studies have helped shed some light on why we sing: it’s not just a fun pastime or a way to pass the time, but a fundamental aspect of human communication that has been with us since the dawn of our species. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll uncover even more about the origins of music and why it continues to be such a powerful force in our lives.
On supporting science journalism
If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
sci-fi themes. Through an extraordinary act of coordination, Patrick Savage and his team of collaborators managed to gather data from 75 participants representing 55 different language backgrounds and all six populated continents. The participants submitted four recordings each: singing a traditional tune, playing it on an instrument, speaking the lyrics, and speaking naturally. One of the tunes selected was the classic “Scarborough Fair,” sung by Savage himself.
Other participants submitted more upbeat tunes, such as Tecumseh Fitch’s rendition of “Rovin’ Gambler,” and Marin Naruse’s performance of “Asabanabushi” from the Amami Islands. A standout was Neddiel Elcie Muñoz Millalonco’s traditional Huilliche song, “Ñaumen pu llauken.” The diversity of songs showcased the richness of musical traditions around the world.
Yuto Ozaki of Keio University led the analysis of the data, comparing singing samples to speech samples to identify key differences. The researchers found that songs tended to be slower, higher-pitched, and more stable in pitch than speech. This distinction highlighted the unique characteristics of musical expression compared to spoken language.
In a separate study, Robert Zatorre of McGill University and his team explored the commonalities in how cultures worldwide speak and sing. Their research aimed to uncover whether there are shared brain mechanisms involved in speech and music production. Zatorre’s previous work suggested that the left hemisphere of the brain is more involved in speech, while the right hemisphere is more engaged in musical activities.
The collaborative efforts of researchers like Savage, Ozaki, and Zatorre shed light on the intricate relationship between language, music, and the brain. By studying the ways in which different cultures express themselves through song and speech, we gain a deeper understanding of the universal aspects of human communication and creativity. The idea of being either left-brained or right-brained has long been debunked, but recent research has shed light on how different parts of the brain specialize in processing certain types of information. In a conversation between Parshall and Feltman, the distinction between the left and right sides of the brain in processing speech and singing was discussed.
Parshall explained that speech, which contains a lot of time-based information, is primarily processed on the left side of the brain. Time-based information refers to the rapid changes in sound that occur as we speak, where each phoneme or letter pronounced carries meaning and must be processed quickly. On the other hand, singing contains more spectral information, which is processed on the right side of the brain. Spectral information refers to the range of sound frequencies, from low to high pitch, that help differentiate between different sounds.
To illustrate this difference, Parshall shared audio samples from a study conducted by Zatorre and his colleagues. In the study, a soprano sang melodies that were then digitally altered to degrade either the temporal or spectral information. When the temporal information was degraded, the lyrics became indiscernible but the melody remained recognizable. Conversely, when the spectral information was degraded, the melody disappeared while the lyrics remained audible.
These findings were consistent across 21 different cultures, suggesting a universal distinction between the processing of speech and singing. Zatorre emphasized that this separation in processing is not specific to music or speech per se, but rather to the acoustics that are most relevant for each. This parallel processing of music and speech allows for the conveyance of different types of information through distinct channels.
In conclusion, the research presented by Zatorre and his team highlights the intricate ways in which the brain processes speech and singing. By understanding how different acoustic qualities are parsed on the left and right sides of the brain, we gain insight into the biological mechanisms that separate music from speech. This dual communication system provides us with unique ways to convey and interpret information, enriching our experiences with both speech and music. The debate over the origins and purpose of singing has long intrigued scientists and researchers. In a recent podcast episode, hosts Rachel Feltman and Jonathan Parshall discussed the idea that singing may have evolved as a way for humans to connect and bond with one another.
While some have suggested that music is simply a by-product of language, others, like researcher Savage, argue that there is something more to it. He believes that the consistent presence of music in different cultures indicates that it serves a specific function, although what that function is remains speculative.
One theory put forth is that singing evolved as a social tool, allowing humans to communicate and share emotional experiences in a way that speech alone cannot. Whether it be soothing babies, celebrating together, engaging in spiritual practices, or even preparing for battle, singing has played a role in bringing people together throughout history.
To further explore the social aspect of singing, psychologist Suzanne Purdy and her team are conducting an experiment with the CeleBRation Choir, made up of individuals with communication difficulties such as aphasia. Despite their struggles with speech, many of these individuals are able to sing, suggesting that singing may rely on different parts of the brain than speech does.
The experiment aims to test whether singing can enhance feelings of connectedness among participants. By comparing groups of students who sing together versus those who only talk together, researchers hope to determine if singing truly has a unique ability to foster social cohesion.
As the research continues, the question of why humans sing and how it impacts our social interactions remains a topic of fascination and exploration. While definitive proof may be elusive, the evidence thus far suggests that music, and singing in particular, may serve a deeper purpose in our lives than we realize. Music has always played a significant role in human societies, bringing people together and creating a sense of unity and connection. A recent study conducted by Purdy aims to uncover the impact of singing on group bonding. While the results of this study may provide some clues and evidence that singing fosters stronger bonds among individuals, it is essential to remember that this is just a small piece of the puzzle.
During a conversation between Feltman and Parshall, they explore the idea that even if scientific research proves the benefits of singing, it may not necessarily explain why music evolved in the first place. Parshall admits to feeling a personal connection to music, especially when singing in a concert setting where the sense of oneness with the world is palpable. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, both agree that music undeniably has a profound impact on individuals.
Feltman reflects on her sister’s involvement in shape-note singing, a traditional musical notation style designed for communal singing. She notes the immediate sense of connection that arises when people come together to sing, highlighting the universal experience of shared music-making. While the complexities of shape-note singing may be initially confusing, the ultimate reward of unity and harmony is worth the effort.
The conversation between Feltman and Parshall underscores the importance of understanding the role of music in human society. While the emotional and personal effects of music are undeniable, scientific research can provide valuable insights into why music holds such significance for us. By asking questions and exploring the impact of music on individuals, researchers can help shed light on the profound influence of music in our lives.
As the conversation comes to a close, Feltman thanks Parshall for sharing her insights and musical snippets, emphasizing the joy of exploring the world of music together. The episode concludes with a reminder that the exploration of music and its effects on human connection is an ongoing journey, with new discoveries waiting to be uncovered.
In summary, the discussion between Feltman and Parshall highlights the deep-rooted connection between music and human bonding. While the reasons behind the evolution of music may remain elusive, the impact of music on individuals and communities is undeniable. Through research and exploration, we can gain a better understanding of why music holds such a special place in our lives. With the rise of social media and digital technology, the way we communicate and interact with one another has drastically changed. People are now able to connect with others from all around the world in an instant, sharing their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with just the click of a button. While this increased connectivity has its benefits, it has also brought about new challenges and concerns when it comes to privacy and security.
One of the biggest issues facing social media users today is the threat of cyber attacks and data breaches. With the amount of personal information that we share online, such as our addresses, phone numbers, and even our credit card details, we are more vulnerable than ever to hackers and malicious actors who seek to exploit this information for their own gain. In recent years, we have seen a number of high-profile data breaches at major companies like Facebook, Equifax, and Target, where millions of users’ personal data was compromised.
In addition to the risk of data breaches, social media platforms are also facing scrutiny over their handling of user data and privacy. Many people are concerned about the amount of information that these companies collect about their users and how it is being used. There have been numerous cases where social media companies have been accused of selling user data to third parties without their consent or using it for targeted advertising purposes.
To combat these issues, many social media companies have implemented new security measures and privacy settings to help protect their users’ data. For example, Facebook now allows users to control who can see their posts and information, as well as offering two-factor authentication to help prevent unauthorized access to accounts. Twitter has also introduced features like encrypted direct messages and improved reporting tools to help users stay safe online.
Despite these efforts, it is still important for users to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to protecting their privacy online. This includes being mindful of the information that they share on social media, using strong and unique passwords, and regularly updating their security settings. By taking these steps, we can all do our part to ensure that our personal information remains safe and secure in the digital age.
