THE NEW EXPERT CONCEPT: SOUND OR NOT?

Abstract

Prominent descriptions of soundscape reveal significant commonalities.At first, they share the view that soundscapes basically are about the structure of the sonic environment, that is, about the relationships between its constituent parts (see, e.g., keynote sound, soundmark).Secondly, soundscapes are not equated with sonic environments but are generally viewed as distinct.The distinction is most often made by explicit reference to perceptual processes.In line with modern hearing and perception terminology a soundscape could be defined succinctly as "the cognitive representation of the sonic environment, especially of the relationships between its constituent sound parts (sound events).'Thus, soundscapes are perceptually broader than the mere auditory representation of sounds from distinct sources present in the environment (auditory scenes).Typically, soundscape research appeals to professionals (1) with strong interest in the improvement of public sound exposure, irrespective whether they do so by enhancing positive or by mitigating negative effects, and (2) coming from widely different occupational and disciplinary backgrounds.Both these factors contribute to soundscape experts' sensitivity to social factors in addressing public sound exposure.However, social commitment should be no reason for soundscape researchers to prefer qualitative over quantitative analysis, nor to consider the exposed individual -not even temporarily so-as expert in his own soundscape.On the contrary, all scientific soundscape research "must be kept separate from educational activities, political actions and artistic presentations" (Karlsson).Scientific soundscape analysis, at any level of quantification of perception, will only benefit from sound empirical theory.

Authors 1

1. PJM STALLEN corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Edinburgh, Scotland

   University of Leiden P.O. Box 9555 2300 RB LEIDEN The Netherlands