Language Barrier

What do these four things have in common? Fine Art, Fly Fishing, Fine Wine and High-end Audio? They all have their own exclusive language that can act as a barrier to the newcomer. This exclusive language is one that a budding aficionado must learn before being able to comfortably communicate with like-minded fans.

I find a similar situation at my work with the buzzwords, abstract analogies and forced sophisticated vocabulary. I’ve always tried to communicate in plain English, with meaningful and direct language. I am trying to do that in the audio gear reviews I write.

One very positive aspects of the launch of Apple’s iPod Hi-Fi is that they used some of the simpler and less exclusive audiophile buzzwords and defined them even in their description of the sound quality of the unit. Keep an eye out for the audiophile approved review of the iPod Hi-Fi and see how it compares language-wise.

My point with this little observation, the reason I am writing this, is that I think we (as audio equipment writers) need to develop and use a much more clear and easy-to-understand vocabulary when describing the experience of listening to great gear. And we need to put more emphasis on describing the listening experience versus the sonic characteristics of the gear or system under review. This will help in its own little way to eliminate the barriers and improve the chances of our true excitement for this hobby to reach a new and wider audience.

Comments

[4mreipm]

Bravo. Without a common language, we are all just making noise at one another.