Chirping

Chirping is one of the two main mechanics of Journey. It involves creating a small ripple of light around one's Wayfarer, as well as creating an image of the player's Symbol, which is also shown on their Wayfarer's chest. A sound is also created when

Another term for a chirp is "utterance."

Other creatures will create circles of light while making sounds. These sounds may or may not be considered "chirps," but will almost certainly be considered utterance.

Default Controls
PS controller/platform: XBox controller: Keyboard: Mouse:

Holding down the button to chirp results in a larger chirp, known as a "shout." Another term for it is "Fus Ro Dah" - a reference to the most famous Dragonshout in Skyrim.

Usage
Chirping is used to interact with various things in Journey: generally to activate something.

Chirping can shake sand off your Wayfarer.

As you go through different levels, the area of the chirp will get bigger, and the sound it makes will change.

Chirping can be used as a limited way to communicate with another player. Common uses are to show excitement, to get attention, or just to let the other player know where you are. Some players may have specific patterns for prompts such as "watch this."

It's technically possible to use Morse code, but the odds of two players knowing it well enough AND speaking the same language (after coding) are slim.

Trivia
The term "chirping" comes from the bird-warbling sounds that Wayfarers make sometimes while chirping.

The term "utterance" means 'something written or spoken' or 'one's personal way of uttering.'

Your symbol will appear on your chest right before a shout is released, assuming you never let go of the button.