Ululation

An ululation is a long, wavering, high-pitched sound resembling the howl of a wolf. It is an onomatopoeic word derived from Latin.

Ululation is found in some singing techniques and ritual situations. In Arab countries ululation is commonly used by women to express celebration or grief, especially at weddings and funerals. It may also be used to encourage belly dancing. In the Horn of Africa, ululation by worshippers is a feature of services in the Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Orthodox Churches, and is also commonly used in secular celebrations such as parties or concerts. Ululation is incorporated into African musical styles such as Shona music, where it is a form of audience participation, along with clapping and call-and-response. Herodotus appears to mention ululation in North Africa (where it is still practiced), saying:

I think for my part that the loud cries uttered in our sacred rites came also from thence; for the Libyan women are greatly given to such cries and utter them very sweetly. (IV. 42-43)

American experimental singer and composer Joan La Barbara uses ululation as well as other extended techniques such as circular singing and glottal clicks.

References

• The Consecration of an Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Canada
• joanlabarbara.com
• musicology.nl African music
• 1yuyu.wav Sound clip of a North African Ululation

See also: Ululation, African, Audience participation, Belly dancing, Call-and-response, Clapping, Eritrean Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church