Dennis Minott | Can you totowawa? Can you whistle?

Whistling. A simple act, yet profound in its resonance. It can summon attention, signal joy, and even serve as a universal language. Recently, I enjoyed a spirited conversation with my whistling friend Phillip Ambokele Henry, a most talented artist from Port Antonio, about the rich and varied worlds of whistling. The discussion evoked the many forms this seemingly trivial sound takes across cultures, species, and landscapes.

A GLOBAL LANGUAGE

Across the globe, whistling transcends mere amusement. In places such as Turkey, the Canary Islands, and parts of Mexico, it serves as a full-fledged mode of communication. The villagers of La Gomera in the Canary Islands use Silbo Gomero, a whistled language that carries messages across rugged terrain. These sounds, capable of travelling up to five kilometres, connect people where shouting would fail.

Even in the animal kingdom, whistling resonates deeply. Birds, natural virtuosos of whistling, fill the air with intricate melodies. Frogs, toads, and insects contribute their own nightly symphonies, offering a reminder of nature’s endless creativity. This phenomenon is not just charming; it is also strikingly diverse. For instance, the frogs and toads of Portland, Jamaica, begin their whistling about five to six minutes earlier than their counterparts in St James or Westmoreland – a subtle-yet-telling testament to nature’s local rhythms.

TOTOWAWA: THE MAROON SYMPHONY

In Jamaica, whistling – or totowawa – takes on an even deeper significance among the Maroon communities. For centuries, these descendants of escaped enslaved Africans used whistling as a survival tool and means of communication. Totowawa allowed them to send covert messages across dense forests, enabling coordination during their resistance against British forces. Today, this heritage endures, connecting modern Maroon communities to their ancestors and the land they fought to protect.

Totowawa is not just practical; it is also cultural. The act of whistling celebrates a shared history and fosters communal bonds. As the Maroons demonstrate, whistling is more than sound; it is a symbol of identity and resilience.

WHISTLING ACROSS CULTURES

Different cultures have unique attitudes towards whistling. In Mexico, communities such as those of Madín in Satelite encourage infants to whistle even before they speak. I recall my own son, at just one year old, trying to match the cheerful whistles of his Mexican playmates in our Methodista church above Presa Madín. His attempts drew approving smiles and comments of “¡El bebé ya está chiflando!”

In stark contrast, many Jamaican adults frown upon youngsters whistling in their presence, considering it impolite or even disrespectful. This dichotomy – encouragement in Mexico versus restraint in Jamaica – reveals how cultural norms shape our perception of this simple act.

MECHANICS OF WHISTLING

Humans whistle in myriad ways. Some purse their lips and blow while others use their fingers to produce and modulate louder sounds. Rare talents can mimic birdsong or render melodies as captivating as any instrument. During my university years abroad, my penchant for whistling earned me the nickname ‘The Whistler’, a moniker that still brings a smile.

But, why do we whistle? It is an act of joy, a signal of attention, and sometimes a way to bridge silence. In mountainous regions, whistling amplifies and echoes, connecting the whistler to the vastness of the landscape. This interplay between sound and environment reveals the profound connection between humans and nature.

WHISTLING IN SAFETY AND SECURITY

Beyond its cultural and artistic significance, whistling plays a critical role in safety and security. Referees use it to enforce rules; lifeguards rely on it to alert swimmers; and shepherds employ it to guide their flocks. In emergencies, a whistle can mean the difference between life and death.

Whistling also carries metaphorical weight. To “blow the whistle” is to expose corruption or wrongdoing – a brave act of truth-telling. This leads to a thought-provoking question: how would nature’s whistle-blowers, such as birds or frogs, react to the unnatural hum of small modular reactors (SMRs) or other disruptive installations? Would their songs adapt or vanish? Worse still, could exposure to radioactivity freakishly mutate the fauna and flora living nearby?

WHISTLING AS ENTERTAINMENT

Whistling has long captivated audiences. From symphonic performances to mimicking birdsong, skilled whistlers demonstrate remarkable artistry. Competitions and performances celebrate this unique talent, showcasing the endless possibilities of a simple act.

WHISTLE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Few experiences rival the joy of whistling in the mountains. The echoes create a dialogue between the individual and the landscape, amplifying a sense of wonder and freedom. The Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains of Jamaica, with their lush greenery and serene vistas, provide the perfect backdrop for such an experience. Here, whistling becomes an ode to nature, a celebration of the land’s beauty and spirit.

INVITATION TO WHISTLE

Ultimately, whistling is a connection – to others, to nature, and to oneself. It bridges gaps, celebrates cultures, and reminds us of life’s melodies. So, can you totowawa? Can you whistle? If not, why not give it a try? Start with a single note and see where the melody takes you. Perhaps, like the Maroons or the villagers of La Gomera, you will discover a new way to communicate and connect with the world around you.

Dennis Minott, PhD, is the CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR. He is a multilingual green resources specialist, a research physicist, and a modest mathematician who worked in the oil and energy sector. Send feedback to a_quest57@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com