Hello LINGUIST List readers,

Today's Fun Fact is about the language of music.

Solresol, devised by Jean-François Sudre in the 19th century, stands out among constructed languages for its unique reliance on musical tones rather than conventional phonetics or written symbols. Initially dubbed "la Langue musicale universelle," translating to the international music language, Solresol sought to be a universal mode of communication transcending linguistic barriers.

Sudre, a violinist, crafted Solresol around seven syllables borrowed from musical fundamentals: do, re, me, fa, so, la, and ti. This musical foundation reflected his artistic background and contributed to Solresol's distinctiveness.

As the first serious attempt at a constructed language, Solresol gained attention for its logical framework and simplicity. Sudre's intention was to foster international understanding through an easily graspable language structure.

Despite its pioneering status, Solresol didn't achieve widespread adoption. Nevertheless, its innovation as the world's sole musically based language remains noteworthy, marking a significant milestone in linguistic experimentation.

This unique approach to language creation mirrors the intricate nature of sound itself. Pitch and tone are not just features of speech but natural phenomena that we experience from our surroundings (thanks to our cochlea and auditory canals among other complex physiological structures and functions). Sound is a reflection of energy. In order to create speech, sound waves oscillate and permeate the air, reflecting the delicate movement of the vocal cords and the reverberation of the oral and nasal cavities.

Solresol, with its basis in musical tones, serves as a reflection not only of human creativity but also of the fundamental nature of sound and its role in communication. Just as sound waves echo the intricate processes of speech production, Solresol mirrors Sudre's vision of a harmonious and accessible language system, highlighting the interconnectedness between language, music, and the natural world.

For pronunciation tips and more information on how Solresol works as a language, visit this website: https://llllllll.co/t/solresol-constructed-musical-language-1866/64014

________________________________

As you reflect on this Fun Fact, please take a moment to reflect on what the LINGUIST List means to you!

We are almost halfway (!!!) to our goal for our annual fund drive with only two weeks left. You could be the one that helps us reach that milestone! If you have enjoyed these fun facts, the best way to show your appreciation would be to make a donation to our fund drive. Every single dollar counts, is recognized, and is always deeply appreciated.

For your convenience, here is the link to our fund drive: https://funddrive.linguistlist.org/donate.

Your contribution can truly make a difference!

With gratitude,

The LINGUIST List Team