Listening as Cultural Practice

Listening as a cultural practice refers to how different societies and communities develop unique ways of engaging with sound, speech, and music that reflect their values, histories, and social norms. It involves more than just hearing; it includes traditions, language, and context that shape how people interpret and respond to what they hear. For example, attentive listening in one culture might emphasize silence and reflection, while another might value active, expressive dialogue. Recognizing listening as a cultural practice helps us understand the diverse ways humans connect, communicate, and create meaning through sound across different societies.