EL SILBO GOMERO
Given the complicated orography of the island of La Gomera, the islanders created a communication system based on hissing, which allowed them to hold conversations from several kilometers away, thus avoiding having to move for this purpose.
This communication system, called “SILBO Gomero”, is a whistled language in which the vocalized sounds of any natural human language are transformed into remotely recognizable tonal whistles.
Although the exact provenance of Silbo Gomero remains unknown, as can be inferred from historical documents, the Silbo is inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants.
With improved communications and telephony, the Silbo fell into disuse, at serious risk of disappearance. However, thanks to the measures carried out by the administrations, their knowledge is being restored and their teaching is part of the subjects taught in the classrooms of the schools of La Gomera.
At present, this language has the recognition of UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and its use is part of its conservation and public exhibitions promoting this language, far from the daily use that was made of it in the past.
