Safeguarding Sonic Heritage at the Fringe of the Pacific Ocean: A Contextual Approach to Preserving Soundscapes

Presented by hmad Faudzi Musib and Gisa Jähnichen at the Language Documentation and Archiving Conference, Berlin & Online, 4-6 Sept, 2024 Sound preserva-on goes beyond inten-onal sounds, encompassing contextual sounds independent of the collector's ini-al inten-on. While inten-onal sounds are o=en the primary focus during collec-on, contextual sounds play an equally vital role. These sounds, surrounding the intended sound, may remain passive and unfocused due to their so= amplitude. Nevertheless, their existence is undeniable, as the ear perceives sound spa-ally through depth and distance. The conven-onal method of relying on single sound recordings for preserving sonic heritage imposes limita-ons, hindering the capture of diverse events. This constraint obstructs the crea-on of a comprehensive preserva-on material that vividly portrays specific loca-ons of indigenous groups, especially their social and environmental aspects. The study concentrates on two dis-nct communi-es: the Bidayuh community in the village of Annah Rais belonging to Padawan, Sarawak, residing in a longhouse, and the Zhuang community in Napo County, Baise, Guangxi, China, where singing Zhuang songs at a specific park is integral to their daily social interac-ons. Addi-onally, literature on this phenomenon is analysed and presented. By employing contextual sound preserva-on methods, this joint paper aims to expand the scope of sonic heritage preserva-on to definite prac-ces. It underscores a mul--dimensional approach, condensing the chosen loca-ons' social and environmental dimensions. The collec-on process priori-zes social dynamics and daily life interac-ons; thus offering a deeper understanding of soundscapes and incorpora-ng dynamic social ac-vi-es within different proximi-es. Addi-onally, the research endeavours to document the changes and evolu-on within these soundscapes over -me, considering the broader context and environmental factors. This contributes to a more holis-c understanding of preserving audio elements associated with cultural heritage. Dr. Ahmad Faudzi Bin Hj. Musib is working at Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His main working fields are sound synthesis, audio engineering, and audio preservation. He has numerous students at the Music Department. Also, he is a T&E Committee member of IASA and member of the International Council for the Traditions of Music and Dance (ICTMD). He can be best contacted via email or phone: 6003 8946 7120. Prof. Dr. Gisa Jähnichen is working and researching at Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She did manifold fieldwork in both areas and has many students around the globe. Also, she is the secretary of the IASA-T&E Commidee and ambassador of this organisa-on in Malaysia and China and an ac-ve member of the Interna-onal Council for the Tradi-ons of Music and Dance (ICTMD). She published widely about various aspects of sound preserva-on. She is best contacted per email: [email protected].