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Call and Response is a type of "spontaneous verbal and non-verbal interaction between speaker and listener in which all of the statements ('calls') are punctuated by expressions ('responses') from the listener", as stated by Smitherman [1] (http://www.cal.org/ericcll/digest/0204foster.html).
In West African cultures, call and response is a pervasive pattern of democratic participation -- in public gatherings in the discussion of civic affairs, in religious rituals, as well as in vocal and instrumental musical expression. It is this tradition that African bondsmen and women brought with them to the New World and which has been transmitted over the centuries in various forms of cultural expression -- in religious observance; public gatherings; even in children's rhymes; and, most notably, in African-American music in its multiple forms: gospel, blues, rhythm and blues, jazz and jazz extensions.
See also Call and response (music)
See Call and response disambiguation page for links to other meanings.
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