The Ultimate Connection

The Ultimate Connection

Music is generally referred to as the "universal language". It is also one of

the easiest ways for us to connect with other cultures. It is the "ultimate

connection" between people. The importance of music is reflected in the

ways we connect it to our everyday lives.

Music connects people all over the world. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

once said, "Music is the universal language of mankind". We can connect

to a feeling or a tune from another country even if we don't understand the

language. For example, the Portuguese song: Melodic Side. People can

make a connection to the song whether or not they understand Portuguese. A

connection can be made to the instruments or the rhythm. We can also

connect to the religious views of a nation or culture through music. The

Welsh Christmas Carol titled "On Christmas Morn" is an example of this.

Music is transcontinental. Here in America we can access music from all

over the world. All types of music from other cultures inspire our

"American" music. Music also has the ability to bridge diversity within

nations.

Music can reach out and connect to the individual. Music can touch

individual emotions and beliefs. The song "I'm not in Love" fits into the

male stereotype and it's specific to one person or group of people. Music has

the ability to shrink the cultural divide between two people. It allows them

to bond over common ground. In general, people handle similar issues and

problems. If two people can agree and bond about the meaning of a song,

than music has done its job.

Music probably has the strongest connection to literature. Most music is

inspired by literature in one