Paper short abstract:

What emotional processes are involved when 'sensing' and 'making' place? This paper aims to explore the neurobiology involved in the attachment to place (as a component of sensing and making places) using examples of cultural expression from the North East of England.

Paper long abstract:

It can be considered that cultural, social, political, environmental and psychological contexts and cues, as examples, contribute to our understandings of - and relationships with - 'place'. To be used as an introduction to the panel, this paper seeks to examine how, from a neurobiological perspective, we attach to place, as well as make it. This discussion will be grounded by an investigation of the senses of place that are expressed through participation in three folk traditions from the North East of England. From participant observation and in-depth interviewing with dancers and musicians, it has been found that sentiments such as senses of belonging, place and pride, which are related to the North East region, constitute the significance of their living traditions. In this light, it can be argued that these cultural practices are transmitted from one generation to the next not only because of their unique dance steps and musical melodies, but as a result of the strong emotional attachments, meanings and values that are also expressed.

As stated, the paper will then explore the neurobiological processes of sensing and making place by focusing on the limbic system of the brain - the region that is most responsible for emotional expression, attachment and motivation. Viewing place sensing and shaping from a more biological perspective can add to understandings of how people make places, as well as why. Most importantly, this exploration aims to highlight the individual experiences of sensing and making place, a notion that can sometimes be neglected within ethnological studies.