Same sound, different worlds | Emilia Rasulova | TEDxSt Swithuns School

Can two people hear the same sound and experience it completely differently? This speaker uses the science of music and sound perception to challenge our assumptions about reality itself. Drawing on the groundbreaking research of psychoacoustics pioneer Diana Deutsch, Emilia reveals how our brains actively interpret sound through the lens of our language, culture and personal experiences. From musical illusions such as the Tritone Paradox to the powerful connection between music, memory and emotion, she explores why the same melody can evoke different feelings in different people. She argues that our unique perspectives shape how we understand conversations, relationships and the world around us. By recognising that others may genuinely experience the same moment differently, we can approach disagreement with greater empathy and understanding. ‘Same Sound, Different Worlds’.
With her passion for intellectual exploration, Emilia particularly enjoys French, history and maths, and is fascinated by the ways language, logic, and human experience intersect. Alongside her studies, she enjoys creative writing and tennis, and is especially interested in the relationship between music, emotion and human behaviour. Through her TEDx talk, she hopes to encourage others to think more deeply about the impact of sound on our everyday lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx