SPEAK
“The Diverse Languages of Chinatown/Callowhill”
An audio project by Aleks Martray
In collaboration with Yowei Shaw’s “Really Good Elevator Music Project”
Sponsored by the Asian Arts Initiative
I'm creating a 3-minute piece of music that features the diverse languages of the
Chinatown/Callowhill area. I’m audio recording residents saying simple but
important phrases in their native languages which I will then edit together to
create a piece of music. The song is meant to highlight the linguistic diversity of
the Chinatown/Callowhill community and familiarize listeners with common
phrases in these many languages. This "song" will be debuted as part of the final
installation of Yowei Shaw’s "Really Good Elevator Music" in January 2014. The
project is sponsored by the Asian Arts Initiative.
What is an important basic phrase you’re taught when learning your language?
What is the most important phrase to know if you are visiting your country?
What is a phrase that is very specific or unique to your language?
What is a common funny phrase in your language?
What is a common “saying” or “words of wisdom” in your language?
What is a phrase that may be specific to the use of your language in Philadelphia
or the US? (a combination of your language and English / or your culture and
American culture)
Contact Info:
aleks.martray@gmail.com