Soundmarks uniquely define a community’s acoustic identity and deserve protection

Evidence

The term soundmark is derived from landmark and refers to a community sound which is unique or possesses qualities which make it specially regarded or noticed by the people in that community. Once a soundmark has been identified, it deserves to be protected, for soundmarks make the acoustic life of the community unique. — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 37

Categorization

• DEFINE: Introduces the landmark-derived term soundmark, a key concept in acoustic ecology.
• SEED: An essay angle: cataloging the endangered soundmarks of one’s own town before they disappear, in the spirit of acoustic design.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 37
• XREF: connects to: Communities can be defined by sound range rather than territory — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 703; Noise pollution persists because music education neglected soundscape awareness — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 400; Soundwalks use mapped scores to guide attention to specific sounds — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 695

Broader Connections

• Noise pollution persists because music education neglected soundscape awareness #qualifies (0.40) — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 400
• Soundwalks use mapped scores to guide attention to specific sounds #exemplifies (0.35) — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 695