Zhang, Y; Wu, D; Kang, J; (2025) Beyond translation: Rethinking soundscape emotion assessments from a cultural perspective. Nexus , 2 (2) , Article 100071. 10.1016/j.ynexs.2025.100071.

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Abstract

Understanding emotional responses to soundscapes is essential for designing urban spaces that promote well-being. However, current standardized assessment tools often fail to account for cultural nuances in soundscape perception, resulting in potential misinterpretations and generalizations. This perspective argues for a fundamental shift toward culturally tailored measurement instruments, emphasizing the need to address the cultural specificity inherent in soundscape evaluations. Evidence from the Soundscape Attributes Translation Project reveals that while standardized tools exhibit some cross-cultural applicability, they often overlook unique cultural expressions, particularly in non-Western contexts such as China. These discrepancies highlight the limitations of universal frameworks in capturing the complex interplay between cultural context and emotional experience. We propose a bottom-up, emic approach to develop localized tools that reflect diverse cultural environments. Such tools can enhance the validity of soundscape assessments, fostering inclusive urban design and policymaking. By rethinking soundscape emotion assessments through a cultural lens, we advocate for a more specific, equitable, and globally relevant framework for understanding how individuals interact with their auditory environments.

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