Sylbo, The Last Speakers of the Lost Whistling Language | TIME

Summary

The video explores silbo, an ancient whistling language from La Gomera, a small island in the Canary Islands, used for communication across its rugged terrain. Francisco Korea, a teacher of silbo, explains its origins and significance, describing how children learn to whistle as a natural form of communication, similar to calling a name. While the use of silbo has diminished over time, it remains an essential tool in certain contexts, embodying the island's rich cultural heritage and unique charm. Silbo offers an effective, cost-free alternative to modern communication methods, highlighting the island's magical allure.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The whistling language, known as Silbo, originates from La Gomera, a small island in the Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa.
• 🎶 Silbo is a unique form of communication that has been used for thousands of years, allowing people to convey messages over long distances.
• 👨‍🏫 Francisco Korea teaches Silbo, ensuring the preservation of this ancient language among the island's residents.
• 📚 Students practice Silbo throughout high school, with many developing a strong grasp of the language after years of study.
• 🏝️ La Gomera is often referred to as the 'magic island' due to its enchanting landscapes and rich folklore.
• 🗣️ Silbo imitates the phonetic sounds of Spanish, making it a distinctive way to communicate in a primarily Spanish-speaking region.
• 📞 Silbo is favored for its practicality—it's faster and cheaper than using a phone, especially in areas with poor connectivity.
• 🔊 The language is not used as frequently as in the past but still serves specific communities where it's necessary for communication.
• 🧙‍♂️ While some view Silbo as part of local legends, it is fundamentally a practical tool that connects people.
• 👶 Learning Silbo starts at a young age, often taught alongside spoken language in a child's early development.

Q & A

What is Silbo and where is it spoken?

Silbo is a whistled language native to La Gomera, a small island in the Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa.

Who is Francisco Korea?

Francisco Korea is a teacher of Silbo who manages the education of this language on La Gomera.

How does Silbo function as a communication tool?

Silbo imitates the phonetic sounds of Spanish, allowing speakers to communicate over long distances.

What role did Silbo play in childhood learning?

Children learned to whistle Silbo alongside learning to speak, making it a normal form of communication.

Why is La Gomera referred to as the 'magical island'?

La Gomera is called the 'magical island' due to its unique charm and the many stories and legends associated with it.

How has the use of Silbo changed over time?

While Silbo was commonly used in the past, it is now less frequently utilized, though it still serves specific communication purposes.

What advantages does Silbo offer compared to traditional communication methods?

Silbo is faster, doesn’t require phone coverage, and incurs no costs, making it a practical alternative for communication in certain contexts.

How do people learn to use Silbo?

Students practice Silbo throughout high school and can develop a strong grasp of the language over ten years.

Is Silbo understood by everyone on La Gomera?

Not everyone on the island understands Silbo, as it is a specialized form of communication.

What cultural significance does Silbo have for the people of La Gomera?

Silbo is not only a communication tool but also a part of the island's cultural heritage, linked to its legends and traditions.