- the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language
- any set or system of such symbols as used in a more or less uniform fashion by a number of people, who are thus enabled to communicate intelligibly with one another :http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/language
- communication of meaning in any way; medium that is expressive, significant http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/language
In general, language is defined as a system of symbols used to communicate meaning- often thought or emotion, between people of a group. By these definitions, music certainly qualifies as a language, and easily the most widespread and universal of them. There are some of you that might disagree, but hear me out.
To start, a language must involve a system of symbols. This means that there need to be symbols that have an assigned meaning. Music has these- since it is composed (pun intended) of notes, accidentals, articulation markings, dynamics, and many other set-in-stone symbols. Such markings always mean the same thing- telling the same information to everyone, no matter the piece or person. While some forms of dynamics, ornamentation, and articulations can change depending on the style, there is a similar effect in spoken languages. Words can have multiple meanings, and depending on the context, are interpreted differently, just like a forte marking means different volumes and strengths depending on the piece.
The next part of the definition of language is that said symbols need to communicate meaning. In written/spoken languages this criteria is meet through the definitions of the words and the syntax of the statement. In music, meaning is communication through the symbols, like notes and articulations, used and their placement on the page in relation to each other and the staff. A comma placed between two words means a break in the sentence, much like a note placed on the first space of the treble clef staff is a F.
Next, the meaning communicated when a language is involved is often thought or emotion. Through other languages, this is achieved by the particular word choice and again, the syntax and grammar involved. Those who claim music doesn't communicate thought or emotion have never heard an expressive piece, like a requiem or ballad, which use phrasing and dynamics to communicate the message and meaning behind the piece, or what the composer wants you to think and that point in time. There are pieces based on stories where you can hear the story taking place as the music progresses, and on more than one occasion I have shed tears when listening to certain songs. In fact, I attended a honor band, and the other band played a piece called "Song for My Children". This piece was absolutely gorgeous and at one point, at least half the audience were crying. To really see the effect music has on your emotions, try watching a movie without the music. If it is a horror flick, you will not be as scared. If it is a drama, you won't feel the same anguish as the characters, and if it is an action movie you won't be as excited during the big climax. All in all, music and emotion are so closely intertwined it is not unrealistic to say they have a cause and effect relationship. When you are feeling a certain emotion, you want to listen to a certain style of music: a certain kind of music can make you feel a certain emotion. They go hand-in-hand.
Finally, the last part of the definition of language is that it needs to be shared between people of a certain group. Music is a man-made idea- there was no concept of music before people. Also, not everyone can read or interpret music, much like not everyone is fluent in French, or Chinese, or any other language. Learning a language takes hard work and time. Anybody who has just recently started playing their first instrument can tell you- reading music takes time, and it is extraordinarily hard when you first start. Learning a different language is the same way.
Therefore, due to music meeting the criteria for the definition of a language, I can say that music is a language. I mean, we even say "reading music".
The next part of the definition of language is that said symbols need to communicate meaning. In written/spoken languages this criteria is meet through the definitions of the words and the syntax of the statement. In music, meaning is communication through the symbols, like notes and articulations, used and their placement on the page in relation to each other and the staff. A comma placed between two words means a break in the sentence, much like a note placed on the first space of the treble clef staff is a F.
Next, the meaning communicated when a language is involved is often thought or emotion. Through other languages, this is achieved by the particular word choice and again, the syntax and grammar involved. Those who claim music doesn't communicate thought or emotion have never heard an expressive piece, like a requiem or ballad, which use phrasing and dynamics to communicate the message and meaning behind the piece, or what the composer wants you to think and that point in time. There are pieces based on stories where you can hear the story taking place as the music progresses, and on more than one occasion I have shed tears when listening to certain songs. In fact, I attended a honor band, and the other band played a piece called "Song for My Children". This piece was absolutely gorgeous and at one point, at least half the audience were crying. To really see the effect music has on your emotions, try watching a movie without the music. If it is a horror flick, you will not be as scared. If it is a drama, you won't feel the same anguish as the characters, and if it is an action movie you won't be as excited during the big climax. All in all, music and emotion are so closely intertwined it is not unrealistic to say they have a cause and effect relationship. When you are feeling a certain emotion, you want to listen to a certain style of music: a certain kind of music can make you feel a certain emotion. They go hand-in-hand.
Finally, the last part of the definition of language is that it needs to be shared between people of a certain group. Music is a man-made idea- there was no concept of music before people. Also, not everyone can read or interpret music, much like not everyone is fluent in French, or Chinese, or any other language. Learning a language takes hard work and time. Anybody who has just recently started playing their first instrument can tell you- reading music takes time, and it is extraordinarily hard when you first start. Learning a different language is the same way.
Therefore, due to music meeting the criteria for the definition of a language, I can say that music is a language. I mean, we even say "reading music".
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