Publisher's Synopsis
"The Sounds of Democracy: An Introduction to Democracy Phonology" is a comprehensive and groundbreaking work that offers a detailed exploration of the auditory dimensions of democratic governance and public participation. The book is structured into a series of thematically organized chapters, each providing a nuanced analysis of the role that sound, voice, and noise play in shaping our understanding of democratic processes and influencing political engagement.
Drawing on a broad range of theoretical perspectives and empirical examples from around the world, the authors expertly weave together insights from fields such as linguistics, political science, sociology, and media studies to provide a multifaceted examination of the topic. The book examines the ways in which sound is used to generate and amplify political power, as well as how it can be used to subvert or challenge established power structures. The authors explore the sonic textures of democratic life, from the raucous clamor of street protests to the hushed whispers of dissent in closed-door meetings, from the soaring oratory of political leaders to the quiet murmurs of everyday citizens. The book highlights the importance of attending to the acoustic environment of democratic practices, arguing that the sounds we hear while participating in democratic processes can have a profound impact on our perceptions of those processes and our willingness to engage with them. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of sound, politics, and democracy. It offers a rich and insightful analysis that will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in a wide range of fields, including political science, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, and media studies.
