Abstract
American scholar Jonathan Sterne summarized the methodologies of early sound studies by Walter Jackson Ong, Raymond Murray Schafer and others under the term “audiovisual litany”. This approach, which is grounded in the analysis of audiovisual differences, has resulted in the excessive integration of visual culture theory into sound studies, thereby hindering the discovery of the unique aspects of sound and hearing. Furthermore, it cloaks sound in mysticism under the influence of sound ontology. While critiquing this method, Sterne's research initially focuses on a positive analysis of sound and auditory technology. Through a reassessment of sound history, he ultimately argues that sound studies should aim to uncover the process and significance of “Ensoniment” rather than simply deconstructing visual hegemony. Dialectically reflecting on Sterne's concept of audiovisual litany not only encourages us to break free from the constraints of binary audiovisual research models, but also aids in understanding the distinct stages of sound studies and its current developmental trends.
Keywords
audiovisual litany, Jonathan Sterne, sound studies, sound ontology, audiovisual difference analysis
First Page
86
Last Page
95
Recommended Citation
Yangdaqi, Kang. 2024. "The Definition and Theoretical Critique of “Audiovisual Litany”: An Initial Exploration of Jonathan Sterne's Sound Studies." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 44, (5): pp.86-95. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol44/iss5/9
