Shivan Perwer's Folk Ballad "Bêje Heval Bêje" (Say, Friend, Say) in the Relationship Between Language, Musical Language, and Music

Abstract

Music and language are like two sides of the same coin, complementary to each other in the phenomenon called life. Life in all its aspects is connected to language and music, whether it's natural life or the life of humans and animals. Music, as a communication system, is similar to language and resembles it, especially in many aspects where sound is a type of language, or language phenomena are somewhat equivalent to musical phenomena. Music itself is built on the foundation of sound, therefore language and music are subjects that are interrelated and dependent on each other.

In this research, we have attempted to demonstrate this strong connection through an example of a Kurdish artist's (Şivan Perwer) maqam, showing how music, alongside language, creates spiritual, intellectual, and reactive effects in the human psyche. Just as speech acts exist in language and are directed from the speaker to the listener, we can similarly say that musical acts exist and, alongside language, create feelings, emotions, and stimulation in the listener's psyche.

This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach. For musical analysis, it draws on the theory of Jan C. La Rue, and for linguistic analysis, it utilizes cognitive linguistics theories. The study attempts to discuss language, musical language, and Şivan Perwer's music, which connects listeners through the speaker's voice (language), the musicality of language, music, sound imagery, natural imagery in the mind and intellect, and creates prototype meanings and cognitive concepts for the listener.