What turns speech into song? Why did humans start singing in the first place? Scientists are still trying to answer these questions. Recent studies provide some clues.
Musicologists from around the world are studying the reasons behind why humans sing. They are exploring the idea that singing served an evolutionary purpose rather than being just a by-product of language. Through cross-cultural studies, researchers found that songs tend to be slower, higher-pitched, and have more stable pitches than speech.
Neuroscientists are also exploring the differences between how cultures around the world speak versus how they sing. They have found that speech relies more on temporal information processed on the left side of the brain, while singing relies more on spectral information processed on the right side of the brain. This distinction holds true across different cultures, suggesting a potential biological mechanism that separates music from speech.
Researchers are now conducting experiments to further understand the impact of singing on social bonding. The CeleBRation Choir, made up of individuals with communication difficulties, has shown that singing can be therapeutic and create a sense of connection among group members. A new study will compare the effects of singing versus speaking on feelings of connectedness in different cultural groups.
While the evolutionary purpose of singing is still speculative, personal experiences show the powerful impact music has on individuals. Regardless of how humans evolved to sing, the emotional and social effects of music are undeniable. Studying the science behind music helps us gain a better understanding of why it is so important to us as a species.
