Whistled Speech In La Gomera: An Intangible Cultural Heritage

In the Canary Islands, the language called Silbo Gomero is a unique whistled form of Castilian Spanish. It remains in use by some 22 000 locals; since 1999 the language has been taught in schools to ensure it is not lost.

The Canary Islands are probably better known for their incredible marine life, carnivals and partying; however, the islands are also home to the highly distinctive Silbo Gomero language found on the island of La Gomera. What sets this language apart from all others is that Silbo Gomero is whistled. Although little remains of the pre-Spanish La Gomera language native to the Canary Islands before the arrival of Spanish settlers, the whistled language was adapted to Castilian Spanish. Its use developed out of practicality: the deep gullies and mountain passages of the island mean travel is difficult, but the higher pitched sound whistling can be easily heard.

The language came near to extinction at the end of the twentieth century. In order to help protect Silbo Gomero, it has been taught in schools since 1999 and in 2009 was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Thus whilst globally other whistled languages exist, Silbo Gomero (meaning Gomeran Whistle) is the only one that is fully developed and ‘spoken’ by a large community. More than 22 000 Gomerans practise the language. It continues, in fact, to be a language used for the community in general, to announce public news, celebrations and religious events.
Worldwide there are some other languages that are whistled such as in Alaska, though their use is not as widespread. Like Silbo Gomero, they seem to have developed out of the need to communicate over distances. In Kusköy, Turkey, a whistled form of Turkish is used by shepherds going in the summer to high plateaus so they can communicate with each other over long distances. In Guyana and Brazil, forms of whistled language are used during hunts so the sound carries over forest noises. Finally, and uniquely, the young people of the Kickapoo tribe in Mexico created a whistled language at the beginning of the last century in order to organise amorous trysts without the knowledge of the wider community. It is perhaps difficult to comprehend whistling as a viable means of communication, yet its many variant forms worldwide attest to its practicality. Silbo Gomero may be taught in schools to preserve the island’s heritage, yet it also remains a vital tool to serve the community.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.