Sound mimesis in various cultures

The imitation of natural sounds in various cultures is a diverse phenomenon and can fill in various functions. In several instances, it is related to the belief system (yoiks of the Sami,Szomjas-Schiffert 1996: 56, 76Szomjas-Schiffert 1996: 64Somby 1995 Szomjas-Schiffert 1996: 74 some other shamanic songs and rituals,Diószegi 1960: 203Hoppál 2005: 92Lintrop overtone singing of some cultures). It may serve also such practical goals as luring in the hunt; or entertainment (katajjaqs of Inuit).

Among some peoples of the Altai-Sayan region, including Tofa, the ability to mimic sounds of the environment includes hunting calls, and is present also in a traditional singing tradition preserved only by some old people.

Fields Shamanism

Shamanism in various cultures shows great diversity.Hoppál 2005: 15 In some cultures, the music or songs related to shamanistic practice may mimic natural sounds, sometimes with onomatopoeia. Hoppál 2006: 143

Entertainment

The intention to mimic natural sounds is not necessarily linked to shamanistic beliefs or practice alone. Katajjaq (a "genre" of music of some Inuit groups) is a game played by women, for entertainment. In some instances, natural sounds (mostly those of animals, e.g. geese) are imitated.Nattiez: 5Deschênes 2002

Luring animals The kind of katajjaq mentioned above, which mimics the cry of geese, shows some similarities with the practice of hunters to lure game.

Some Inuit used a tool (shaped like a claw) to scratch the ice of the frozen sea in order to attract seals.Burch & Forman 1988: 56–57Birket-Smith 1969: 127

Sound mimesis in various cultures

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