What *I* mean by "shape note"?

I think I'm going pretty much by generally accepted terms.

As to the African American shape note traditions, let me direct you to a quick Internet source which reflects my general understanding of "shape note" in a broader cultural context, not just a music one:

www.folklife.si.edu/97fest/likeariv.htm

The easy tip-off for me is the term "folklife" in the URL. I'm not just talking about music, I'm talking about music in its living human contexts, and race has a whole lot to do with this particular music.

If we need clarify ourselves beyond that in terms of the music, are you not interested in the regional, cultural, and racial differences in the music? Are we talking New England Anglican or Southern Baptist? White Southern Baptist or black Southern Baptist?

The English hymnody tradition, or the Scottish Calvinist hymnody tradition? The Gaelic Scots hymnody tradition of the Hebrides or the Anglo Scots hymnody traditions of Glasgow?