World Listening Day

World Listening Day is observed every year on 18 July. The day was established in 2010 by the World Listening Project, a non-profit organisation founded in 2008. The date marks the birthday of Raymond Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer, author and environmentalist associated with acoustic ecology.

World Listening Day and acoustic ecology

Acoustic ecology is the study of the relationship between humans and their environment through sound. Raymond Murray Schafer is widely identified with the development of this field. The subject includes soundscapes, noise, listening practices and environmental sound awareness.

Activities and observance themes

World Listening Day is marked through soundwalks, field recording, listening sessions, educational seminars and community events. The 2024 theme was “Listening to the Weave of Time”, and some references also used “The Power of Sound” for the same year. Annual themes are used to frame listening as a cultural and environmental practice.

Listening as a cultural practice

The observance is linked with sonic stewardship of the environment, a concept connected with responsible attention to sound in public and natural spaces. Listening is also used in education, community work and healing programmes in several organisations.

Important Facts for Exams

• World Listening Day falls on 18 July every year.
• The World Listening Project was founded in 2008.
• Raymond Murray Schafer is associated with acoustic ecology.
• Acoustic ecology studies sound in relation to human and environmental life.