The root of human civilisation is language – be it written, spoken, signed, sung or instrumentalised. Our ability to communicate both emotionally and intellectually sets us apart from other species, allowing us to relate to one another through shared experiences and affinities.
Indeed, when NASA was deciding what to put on the Voyager Golden Records– a series of sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life on Earth to potential aliens – a 90-minute selection of global music was deemed essential.
