A question on a phenomenon that I’ve noticed here in the southeast. I’ve noticed that in almost all cases, groups of african americans speak at a volume far louder then groups of other cultures or mixed groups. In a mixed setting everyone seems to speak at the same volume level: (A normal indoor speaking voice). However, in groups made up solely of african americans, I notice that the normal volume of the conversation is often half again that of any other cultural group. To set some parameters I’m NOT talking about parties or celebrations where such volume is expected. Also this post is NOT about race relations, or sterotypes. I’m simply looking for a either confirmation of a local phemonenon, or an root of this interesting behaviour.
Probably true generally. There was a book out a few years ago-it was serious- titled,“Why are Blacks so Loud?” As I post this I recall it could be from church- blacks in church are EXPECTED to yell out if they like what the preacher says. (But, it is much like the House of Commons in England too. )If you’ve ever been to a movie w/ many blacks in the audience, many talk back to the screen. If blacks are few in the theater,they 'll be more quiet.
Since there is no definite answer, this question is probably in the wrong forum.
A guy I will call Slimey Q. Slimeweasel visited me some years ago. He lives in Alabama and I live in Alberta. He laughed boisterously at movies - even movies at my house! He laughed so loud, and I didn’t understand what he was trying to accomplish with it.
Albertans just don’t do that.
I don’t know if that added much to the discussion, but I found it interesting.
Slimey was not African American, so I guess that adds even less to the post…
I wonder if loudness has to do with how close people are in a culture. I think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding where everyone was in everyone else’s business and no one had room to breathe, yet they still talked loudly and no one had secrets.
Then in Canada and the States people need their room, yet we generally talk quietly and keep things to ourselves.
So in conclusion, Keeping Up Appearances is on so I want to finish this quickly. I think it might have something to do with how close people are in cultures. Talking loudly might be a way for people to ‘share’ themselves.