INTRODUCTION

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Music is the universal language of mankind." Everyone speaks the same language when it comes to music. Even if one is unable to understand the lyrics, one can still grasp the artist's meaning by feeling the beat and hearing the melody. Everyone who listens to music is connected to everyone else around the globe. The nature of music is dynamic and ever-evolving. It displays many eras. People in an area need music to bond with one another. Rarely do we get to witness the unique qualities of every nation and its citizens through music. Music is also essential to the growth and influence of a culture. A country, its culture, and its people are all told through its music. It is the power of music to move us in ways that words cannot, to touch our souls, and to captivate our hearts. They seem to speak a language all their own, sharing tales and feelings that connect with individuals from different backgrounds. In this piece, we will examine the strength and appeal of music as well as its significant influence on people and society at large.

HOW IS MUSIC A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE?

Singing or listening to music, whether it be an instrument or not, can both create a special kind of music that cuts beyond the boundaries of language. Music is the closest thing humanity has ever created to magic! It can benefit one's physical and mental well-being as a global means of expression and communication. For generations, people who are struggling with psychological, emotional, or physical problems have found that listening to music helps them heal. When we listen to music, our brains light up like a fireworks display. Various regions of the brain, including the auditory cortex and the limbic system, become activated, triggering a cascade of neurological responses. This intricate symphony of brain activity contributes to the emotional, cognitive, and physical effects of music. Music is a powerful signal that helps us remember the past because of its extraordinary ability to leave its mark on our memories. Therapists have utilized its capacity to reveal hidden memories and improve cognitive function in people with memory problems. Music may be a comforting salve for the spirit during difficult times. Researchers have discovered that it offers therapeutic benefits, lowering anxiety, tension, and even bodily discomfort. We can find comfort in the middle of life's craziness when we are able to relax and find calmness through the melodies and rhythmic patterns. We can feel a great variety of emotions when listening to music. It can evoke feelings in us that are happy, sad, excited, or nostalgic—sometimes all at once. The melodies, harmonies, and rhythms combine to take us through the highs and lows of the human experience, creating a symphony of emotions. Music can kindle our inner fire and inspire us to strive for greatness. It can be a source of inspiration, motivating us to have faith in our abilities and follow our ambitions with steadfast commitment. Not only can music arouse feelings, but it also has the capacity to foster connections.

When it comes to building connections through music, global gatherings and music festivals give musicians from different cultures a stage on which to collaborate and perform for a wide range of listeners. These gatherings honor the range and depth of musical traditions, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and strengthening bonds between individuals from all over the world. These events highlight the universality of music, whether it's the well-known Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the US, the legendary Glastonbury Festival in the UK, or the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Social media and internet platforms are important tools in the digital age for establishing global connections between performers and listeners. By sharing their music online, musicians may connect with fans all across the world, even those who live thousands of kilometers away. People can broaden their musical horizons by discovering music from many countries and genres through streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Social media platforms facilitate communication between musicians and fans, building relationships and communities around shared interests in music. Technology innovations have completely changed how people produce, share, and enjoy music. The development of recording equipment has made it possible for musicians to work together remotely, removing geographical restrictions. Artists can reach audiences worldwide through virtual concerts and live-streamed performances, fostering connections and shared experiences. Technology has improved the universality of music by creating new avenues for artistic collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. We frequently witness situations in which two or more people connect through music; this shared experience fosters mutual trust and offers a secure environment for experimentation and innovation. It makes sense that so many individuals from all walks of life seek music for comfort or encouragement when things get tough. Like the sense of smell, music communicates directly to the heart and bypasses the logical areas, making it a global language of connection that is accessible to all people regardless of their cultural background or religious beliefs. Fundamentally, music is a global language of healing because it connects with our souls in a profoundly delicate and clear way, crosses age, societal, and cultural borders, and lets us explore our deepest feelings without worrying about judgement or negative consequences. Music has a transformational effect, whether people listen to it on its own or as part of a more extensive therapeutic process.

Finally, music also has an important role to play when it comes bringing changes in the society. When it comes to social and political movements, music has always been an important part. Protest songs have inspired action and brought people together, acting as anthems for change. Music has been a driving force behind activism, lending voice to the oppressed and disenfranchised throughout history, from the American civil rights movement to the anti-apartheid movements in South Africa. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s anti-war protests, music remained a vital component of political engagement. Artists such as John Lennon, Joan Baez, and Neil Young protested against the Vietnam War and promoted peace through their music while it was still going on. Songs like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Ohio" and John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" served as rallying points for the anti-war movement by expressing the annoyance and rage that many people felt. More recently, a number of social and political movements have been propelled by music. For instance, musicians like J. Cole, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar have joined the Black Lives Matter movement and used their songs to highlight systemic racism, police brutality, and the need for change. These artists have given voice to the disadvantaged and disenfranchised by using their platforms to both raise awareness and give them a voice. The ability of music to emotionally connect with people is what gives it potency in political activism. When coupled with good lyrics and an engaging message, music has the ability to arouse strong emotions in listeners and motivate them to take action. Music has a special power to bring people together and foster a sense of solidarity, whether it is through the words of a song, the intensity of a live performance, or the shared experience of a protest concert. In addition, music has the ability to communicate across linguistic and cultural divides and reach a large audience. It has the potential to be a language understood by people from various backgrounds. Because of this, it's a very powerful tool for promoting political engagement and increasing public awareness of significant social concerns.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, music becomes a universal language that breaks down barriers to communication in a world where linguistic limitations can be a hindrance. It dismantles obstacles, encourages relationships, and honors the variety of human experiences. Music has the ability to unite people and promote understanding, whether through cooperative projects, music festivals, online platforms, or educational activities. It's a tune that transcends national boundaries and serves as a constant reminder that we are all instruments in the great symphony of life. Let's celebrate the fact that music is universal and acknowledge its power to bridge gaps in language and culture.

Music as a Universal Language: Exploring Its Influence