Sounds and sound preferences in Han Buddhist temples

Abstract

This study recorded various sounds heard in Han Buddhist temples and analysed their acoustic parameters. Subsequently, it investigated the factors that influence sound preferences in these temples using a questionnaire survey. The results indicate that the physical acoustic and psychoacoustic parameters of various sounds correspond to the roles they play at the temple. Buddhism-related man-made sounds dominate the sound environment in temples. In addition, signal and soundmark are prevalent. In the case of sound preferences, natural sounds are preferred, and age and religious beliefs have a significant effect on the respondents' preference for the sound of a temple bell. Signal and Buddhism-related man-made sounds are affected by a variety of respondent demographic characteristics, while Buddhism-unrelated man-made sounds and keynote sounds are rarely affected by these characteristics. The education level of the respondents affects their preferences for various types of sound, and the respondents' evaluations of Buddhism and acoustic environment are related to their preferences for Buddhism-related man-made sounds, soundmarks, and keynote sounds. Among the assessed physical acoustic and psychoacoustic parameters, only sharpness is closely correlated with sound preference in Han Buddhist temples.