Description

Join us for an exploration of the sounds and environment of Edinburgh. Through a both guided and self-directed walks, we’ll listen carefully to the surrounding environment. This will include a soundwalk and making sound recordings of the everyday and less expected sounds we encounter. Anthropologists Dr Jo Vergunst and Dr Andrew Whitehouse first explain how they listen as anthropologists and what can be learned from listening more attentively. Can we learn to perceive our world and the ways it changes more acutely through listening? Does recording sounds change the way we listen and remember? What could we do with what we find out?

Practicalities (to be confirmed): Participants will meet at Holyrood Car Park, Queen's Drive. Dr Vergunst and Dr Whitehouse will introduce the event and begin a walk around the adjoining Holyrood Park. Participants will be asked to listen closely to the sounds of the environment, both natural and human generated. They will then be encouraged to use their phones or other devices to record ambient or specific sounds that they hear while moving around the area. Afterwards, the group will gather to share findings, reflect on the experience, and consider ways to describe and use what they've learned and encountered . The event will last 90 minutes: 10 mins introduction, 40 mins walk, 40 mins sharing. Participants will need to provide their own recording device and be responsible for their own health and safety while outdoors. They should wear strong shoes and bring suitable clothing for the weather.