Analyzing sound

Sound is everywhere. Birds chirp, cars honk, music plays. Sometimes it’s just in the background, but sometimes it’s used for deliberate effect. Think about how sound functions in gambling casinos. Until recently, slot machines dispensed coins to winners. The noise of coins dropping from the winning machine was deliberately magnified so that other gamblers would notice and be encouraged to continue gambling. Most casinos have shifted to a receipt-based system—the machine generates a receipt that a gambler can turn in for cash. Because the sound of coins dropping out of a machine is so effective, however, machines still make that sound, even though no coins are involved.

Sound can convey meaning on its own or enhance meaning when combined with other modes. The questions in the chart can help you analyze sound.

Analyzing sound

Related topics:

Genre: What kind of sound is it?

Features: Pitch, pace, and volume

Purpose and audience: Why and for whom is the sound created?

Meaning: What effect does sound have on the listener?