The Sound of Friction: How to Do Things with Listening

Abstract

This paper is an examination of ethnographic listening from an ethnographic perspective. Its guiding theme is that while listening is typically understood as a passive method or pathway to receive information and take notice of the world, ethnographic listening is unique and potentially productive. Despite recognizing the foundational nature of listening to our work, professional ethnographers typically do not highlight listening as part of our work. The paper is a prompt and provocation for professional ethnographers to consider new directions and new forms for listening, including directions inspired by the work of artists, musicians, and sonic activists. Specifically, the paper will explore unique ways that ethnographers listen and consider how listening-based methods might be integrated into all steps of a professional research project. Examples of listening-based methodological innovations are documented, as are suggestions for further avenues for creative exploration.