silbo

Silbo, or Silbo Gomero, is a whistled form of Spanish used on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. It functions as a speech surrogate, allowing people on different parts of the island to communicate across deep ravines and steep valleys where shouting would be impractical. It is regarded as a living linguistic tradition and a key element of Canarian cultural heritage.

The practice dates from earlier centuries, developed to overcome the island’s rugged terrain. In 2009 UNESCO inscribed Silbo Gomero on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today it is taught in schools on La Gomera and supported by local associations, cultural groups, and public demonstrations.

Technically, Silbo is a whistled replication of spoken Spanish. The whistle conveys syllables by shaping the lips, tongue, and mouth and by modulating the pitch and duration of the air stream. Vowels are central to the system, with consonants encoded through changes in articulation. Under favorable conditions, messages can be transmitted across several kilometers.

Today Silbo Gomero remains a living tradition, most visible in rural communities and during cultural events. It is taught to new generations, studied by linguists and educators, and showcased to visitors as a symbol of La Gomera’s linguistic and cultural heritage.