new, considering that texting is currently the most common form of long-distance
communication. But how were messages conveyed in the past?
One of the first methods was the smoke signal. This practice was used by Chinese soldiers
guarding the Great Wall to warn of the enemy’s approach. The Greeks devised a whole
alphabet of smoke signals for sending messages. But it was Native Americans who made
the system mobile by carrying small bunches of dried grasses around with them. These
could be lit quickly from any place at any time.
Moving on to messages transmitted by sound, an early technique was the drum. Drums are
still used today in the rainforests of Africa, Papua New Guinea and Central and South
America for broadcasting news. The instrument is made from a hollow log and this is hit
with a stick. On receiving the message, each village passes it on to the next, which means
that news can travel at up to 150 km an hour.
Another instrument traditionally used for long-distance communication is the alphorn.
These four-metre long wooden horns were common in most mountainous regions of
Europe and their deep rich sound could be heard over 6 km away. Farmers would use them
to send messages across the valley as well as to call in their cows. Today, the alphorn is a
form of entertainment, and Switzerland alone has around 4,000 players.
In some parts of the world, humans are able to convey messages over long distances
without using instruments. On La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, people use Silbo, or
the ‘whistling language’ to communicate across the valleys. The language involves the use
of the tongue, lips and hands to make sounds, which can travel up to 5 km. To ensure its
continuation, Silbo is currently a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools on
the island.
A look at long-distance communication would not be complete without mentioning the art
of yodelling. This is a form of singing, in which the voice changes pitch very quickly, making
it easily heard over long distances. It is believed that the technique was developed in the
Swiss Alps, but it is also found in other places such as Central Africa. At one time, yodelling
was popular in theatres and music halls, but this is no longer so.
1 What was most remarkable about the Greeks’ system of smoke signals?
A It could communicate words.
B It could be used instantly.
C It could distract the enemy.
D It could stop wars from breaking out.
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2 What is the advantage of communicating by drum?
A The length of the message.
B The simplicity of the instrument.
C The speed of the transmission.
D The volume of the sound.
3 Which of the statements about the alphorn is FALSE?
A An alphorn is the approximate length of two tall people.
B Alphorns could be found in one particular continent.
C Farmers used them just for communication.
D The art of playing the alphorn is still alive today.
4 How do the people of La Gomera make the sounds of Silbo?
A With an instrument.
B With their mouths and their hands.
C With their mouths only.
D With their tongues only.
5 What would be an accurate definition of ‘yodelling’?
A Moving frequently between high and low notes.
B Shouting in a loud voice.
C Singing a recognisable tune in harmony.
D Using music with a really strong beat.
