world music

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "world music" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a term used to describe a variety of different types of music from all over the world. For example, "The new album featured a variety of different world music from around the globe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Karavika, world music ensemble.

The New York Times

Gameboard, world music.

The New York Times

He liked world music.

The New Yorker

Hudost, world music.

The New York Times

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, world music.

The New York Times

Harmonium, funk and world music.

The New York Times

STORRS The Idan Raichel Project, world music.

The New York Times

WOODSTOCK Bearsville Theater MamaLama, world music.

The New York Times

Saint-Saëns and His World Music Festival.

The New York Times

MIDDLETOWN Hugh Masekela, jazz and world music.

The New York Times

What is "world music"?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "world music" to broadly categorize music that incorporates elements from diverse cultural traditions, but be mindful of potential oversimplification or misrepresentation. Whenever possible, provide more specific information about the music's cultural origins and style.

Common error

Avoid using "world music" as a catch-all term without acknowledging the specific cultural origins and musical traditions involved. This can lead to misrepresentation and a lack of appreciation for the nuances of different musical styles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "world music" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object to classify musical genres or performances. Ludwig examples show it describing ensembles, festivals, and musical styles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "world music" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to categorize music from diverse cultural traditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a noun phrase used to classify various genres and performances. While very common in News & Media and Academia, it's important to use the term thoughtfully, avoiding oversimplification of cultural contexts. Alternatives include "global music" or "international music", but specificity is key. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in describing festivals, ensembles, and musical styles, reinforcing its versatility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

global music

Focuses on the worldwide aspect of the music, emphasizing its international reach.

international music

Highlights the music's origin from different nations and cultures.

cross-cultural music

Emphasizes the blending of different cultural musical traditions.

ethnic music

Highlights the traditional and cultural origins of the music.

traditional music

Focuses on music that is rooted in long-standing customs and practices.

folk music

Emphasizes the music's origin from the common people of a specific region or culture.

roots music

Stresses the foundational and authentic nature of the music.

non-western music

Specifies music originating outside of Western cultural traditions.

indigenous music

Highlights the music's connection to native or aboriginal populations.

cultural music

Broadly refers to music that represents a particular culture or society.

FAQs

How can I use "world music" in a sentence?

You can use "world music" to describe genres and artists that incorporate musical traditions from around the globe. For instance, "The festival featured a diverse lineup of "world music" artists."

What's a more specific alternative to "world music"?

Instead of "world music", try to be more specific by mentioning the region or style, such as "African folk music", "Latin jazz", or "Celtic traditional music". This provides greater clarity and avoids generalization.

Is "world music" a genre itself?

"World music" is more of a categorization that encompasses various genres from different cultures. It's not a genre with specific musical characteristics but rather a broad term for non-Western musical styles.

What is the difference between "ethnic music" and "world music"?

"Ethnic music" emphasizes the cultural and traditional origins of music, while "world music" is a broader term that can include contemporary interpretations and fusions of different cultural styles. "Ethnic music" often refers to more traditional forms.