Question

A similarity between African American spirituals and the psalms of Israel is the fact that ________?

1) they both originated in Africa
2) they both have religious themes
3) they both use musical instruments
4) they both have a call and response structure

Answer 1

African American spirituals and the psalms of Israel both feature a call and response structure, allowing for communal participation and unity in their respective practices of worship and resilience.

Step-by-step explanation:

A similarity between African American spirituals and the psalms of Israel is that they both have a call and response structure. African American spirituals often used this form, which can be attributed to the influence of West African music. This style involved a leader singing a line or verse, and the group responding with an answer or repetition. The call and response structure in spirituals often helped forge a sense of community and solidarity among the enslaved individuals. Similarly, the psalms, ancient songs and prayers found in the Bible, at times display characteristics of call and response, particularly in the context of Jewish worship where a cantor (leader) would sing a line, and the congregation would respond.

This form of musical interaction was essential for communication and unity among those who suffered oppression. In African American spirituals, the call and response represented not only a musical technique but also a form of resilience, conveying messages of hope and shared experience amid the hardships of slavery. The spirituals and psalms both served to spiritually uplift their communities and became integral to their cultural expressions and religious practices.