Environmental grounding
Sonic elements establish where the audience is located within the story world. 

Emotional tone
The sonic design sets the emotional climate of a scene or location.

Narrative logic
Sonic behaviors help communicate how the world operates. 

Offscreen continuity
A well-constructed sonic environment implies that the world continues beyond the frame. 

Cultural and character identity
Sonic choices reflect the values, histories, and personalities of the world’s inhabitants.