Sound design and culture: on the way to a more inclusive sound design

Why does culture play a crucial role in sound design?

Each culture has its own sound grammar. What may seem natural to one culture may seem strange to another. In the field of sound design, ignoring this fact risks offering a sterile experience. On the other hand, diversity adds nuance and richness to projects. Studies in psychology and ethnomusicology show that the perception of elements such as consonance, dissonance, or emotional cues varies according to cultural contexts (Juslin & Laukka, 2003; McDermott et al., 2016).

Examples of cultural interpretation of sound

• The Indonesian gamelan, a collection of metallic instruments producing rich tones, evokes meditation and spirituality in Southeast Asia. However, an untrained Western ear might find these chords unstable, even jarring.

• African percussion embodies energy, rhythm, and community. However, for an uninitiated audience, they might seem excessive or too intense.

• Inuit throat singing fascinates with its power and unique character. For some, they have a hypnotic quality, while for others, they evoke strange sounds from elsewhere.

These examples demonstrate that sound design is always loaded with meaning. Sound is a cultural language; its understanding is closely linked to the listener's context (Bregman, 1990).

The benefits of a sound design that takes culture into account

Authenticity: A project that incorporates authentic sound references gains credibility and richness.

Enhanced immersion: The listener is immersed in a "realistic" sound universe, which intensifies their emotional involvement—an important factor for cultural industries: according to estimates by UNCTAD/UNESCO, creative industries account for about 3% of global GDP and employ nearly 30 million people, illustrating the economic and social impact of culture when properly valued.

Distinction: In a saturated market, a unique and respectful sound design allows one to stand out (notable case: video games and audiovisual productions that focus on local authenticity).

Respect and integration: Valuing cultural diversity in sound means honoring the multiple identities of the audience (WIPO, work on traditional cultural expressions).

Practical example: a truly culturally authentic video game

Think of an adventure game set in the Andes. Rather than resorting to a standard soundtrack of Hollywood strings and conventional percussion, the sound designer could: • Use panpipes and charangos (small folk guitars) for the ambient music.

• Incorporate excerpts or motifs from Quechua songs, thus creating a direct connection with the culture (while respecting rights and compensating the artists).

• Produce authentic natural atmospheres: the sound of wind at high altitude, Andean bird songs, the sounds of traditional markets.

Conclusion: a more authentic, respectful, and unforgettable engagement that involves players while highlighting the local cultural heritage—a commercial and ethical asset (see examples of case studies in the literature on the creative economy).

The effect of natural soundscapes

Sound design is not limited to the use of traditional instruments or songs in its cultural approach. It also incorporates the specific soundscapes of each place:

• The tropical rainforests of the Amazon, populated with the songs of birds and insects.

• The medinas of Morocco, where one hears the calls to prayer, the sounds of the crowd, and traditional instruments.

• The major Asian cities, characterized by the hum of scooters, street markets, and urban tumult.

These aspects, integrated into an audiovisual or video game production, offer unparalleled sensory authenticity—a concept developed from the foundational works on soundscapes (Schafer, 1977).

Best methods for culturally sensitive sound creation

Conduct detailed research: Consult the archives, listen to ethnomusicology recordings, study the meaning of sounds and instruments (university resources and sound archives).

Collaborate with local artists: Nothing can match the expertise and ear of musicians or sound designers from the culture in question.

Avoid stereotypes: It happens too frequently that productions simplify or exaggerate sounds to "give a local touch." This can quickly become stereotypical and offensive.

Show authenticity: Try to reproduce a soundscape rather than using it as a backdrop.

Experimentation with a target audience: It is essential to have the final product listened to by members of the concerned community to ensure that the work is respectful and well-received (practices recommended by cultural heritage protection organizations).

The future of sound design: Artificial intelligence and cultural diversity

The emergence of AI is causing a revolution in sound creation. There are currently tools that allow you to generate effects or compose music in just a few clicks. However, without a culturally informed perspective, these works could lack life. Artificial intelligence is capable of replicating a style, but it is limited in grasping the symbolic and emotional significance that a sound can hold for a given community (recent debates published in technological and ethical literature).
Thus, the future of sound design could lie in fusion: leveraging AI to explore new horizons, while collaborating with individuals rooted in cultural contexts. The sound design of the future will be technological, inclusive, and varied.

In summary, the sound design of the future aims to be inclusive.

Having cultural awareness goes beyond mere sound decoration. It's about creating soundscapes that resonate with different audiences, with emotion, consideration, and depth. Each note transforms into a link between different cultures, a universal language that honors diversity rather than standardizing it.

If you need help with your sound design projects or if you are looking for custom services, contact our Sound Design France studio (contact@resonance-sounddesign.com) to discuss your ideas!

15 10 2025 By ChatGPT