The Sound of Citizenship

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 This article discusses how the soundscape of citizenship ceremonies is part of the materialization of citizenship in the 21st century. In this comparative research on citizenship ceremonies in West European countries, the use of the performative approach has led to change focus from the textual discourse and rhetoric of the citizenship ceremonies to what is actually done. In the ceremonies, citizenship is not only enacted in different discourses and versions of bodily practice. It is also materialized in flags, certificates, information folders, pins, medals, food and beverages, and in various soundscapes comprising recitation of oaths, playing children, folk music, and singing of national anthems.  These soundscapes are the primary focus of this paper, thus promoting the idea of an ethnology of sensory experience and materialization.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEthnologia Europaea
Volume38
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)56-65
Number of pages10
ISSN0425-4597
Publication statusPublished - 2008

ID: 10457756