1.1.1.d Defining Voice
Defining Voice
For our purposes, “voice” is a phonatory system. Yes, it’s also an international hit show, but that’s beside the point. “Voice” is a multifaceted concept that carries various meanings depending on context. The word traces back to the Latin noun vox (or vocis), which was adopted into Old French as voiz or vois and then into Middle English as voys or voisbefore evolving into “voice” in Modern English.
The Latin vox is also related to the verb vocare (“to call” or “to summon”), highlighting voice as a means to communicate or express oneself.
Human-made sounds: Voice can refer to the sound-producing system itself or to the sounds it creates.
Music: In a musical context, “voice” refers to an individual melodic line, whether performed by a singer or an instrument within a larger piece.
Literature or writing: Here, “voice” describes the distinct style or tone of an author or narrator—conveyed through word choice, rhythm, and sentence structure.
Self-expression: More broadly, “voice” can mean the ability to express opinions, communicate, or influence others through speech, writing, art, or other forms.
The basic notion of voice as a vehicle for communication is universal across languages and cultures, but its interpretation can vary based on cultural values, linguistic structures, and historical contexts:
Tonal languages: In languages like Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese, the pitch or tone changes a syllable’s meaning. Here, voice carries extra significance, representing both the physical sounds and the tonal nuances.
Cultural values: Some cultures place stronger emphasis on oral traditions—like storytelling or poetry—leading to a heightened appreciation for the expressive power of the voice.
Singing and vocal traditions: Cultural singing styles (e.g., Tuvan throat singing or certain Indian music) may view the voice as not just a means of communication but an instrument of unique artistic or spiritual value.
Language structure: Languages with extensive vowel ranges or intricate consonant clusters can lead speakers to pay closer attention to vocal production and articulation.
Social norms: Certain societies place more importance on formality or politeness, shaping expected tones, volumes, and registers in everyday speech.
Regardless of these variations, “voice” in our work refers to the sound-producing, phonatory system—and every baby is born capable of producing any of the world’s sounds. Where a child ends up simply depends on circumstance.
Defining “Phonation”
Phonation \\[foh-NEY-shuhn\\] noun:
In humans, the act, process, or function of producing voiced sounds via the vibration of the vocal folds in the larynx. This requires the coordination of numerous muscles and structures across the functional areas of the phonatory system.
Defining “System”
You already know the general meaning of “system,” but words with many definitions often invite confusion—especially with a topic as intricate as the human voice. In the broadest sense, a system is a collection of interconnected elements or components that work together to fulfill a particular purpose. Whether we’re talking about solar systems, ecosystems, computer systems, or the human voice, six elements tend to apply:
Components: Systems contain multiple parts that interact in coordinated ways.
Relationships: The parts connect through various interactions, such as dependencies or feedback loops.
Boundaries: Each system is demarcated from its environment, though exchanges of energy or information can occur.
Organization: Systems exhibit an internal structure—like hierarchies or networks—that defines how components relate.
Purpose or function: Most systems aim to produce certain outcomes or exhibit specific properties.
Dynamics: Systems often show complex, changing behaviors, adapting over time to internal or external factors.
Keep these six elements in mind as we study voice and the interconnected functional areas responsible for sound production.
Voice: A Phonatory System
A phonatory system encompasses the anatomical structures and physiological processes behind sound production. In humans, it involves air passing through vibrating vocal folds in the larynx, but phonation isn’t unique to humans. Many animals possess phonatory systems for communication, mating calls, or territorial signals. Though these structures and methods differ, the underlying principle—using vibrating elements to generate sound—holds true across species:
Birds: They have a syrinx at the base of the trachea. Its vibrating membranes create complex calls and songs.
Mammals: Animals like dogs, cats, and elephants rely on vibrating vocal folds within the larynx to produce sound.
Insects: Crickets and cicadas employ stridulation—rubbing specialized body parts together—to make sound.
Amphibians: Frogs and toads use vocal sacs to amplify sounds from their larynx, making loud, resonant calls.
Common Ground Across Species
While anatomical details vary, three core ideas remain consistent:
Vibration: All sound arises from vibration (e.g., vocal folds, syrinx membranes, or friction).
Power Source: Something sets the vibration in motion—often airflow (birds, mammals, frogs) or friction (insects).
Resonance: Structures like vocal tracts or vocal sacs amplify and shape the sound waves that vibrations create.
Common Ground Between Animals and Acoustic Musical Instruments
These same principles—power, vibration, and resonance—also describe acoustic musical instruments and other non-living sound systems:
InstrumentPowerVibrationResonanceViolinBow/fingersStringWooden bodyClarinetAirstreamReedWooden bodyTrumpetAirstreamVibrating lipsMetal tubingPianoHammerStringsWooden bodyDrumStick/handDrumhead (skin)Drum body
Regardless of the details, the fundamental processes of power, vibration, and resonance remain the same across living beings and musical instruments.
Now it’s time to take a closer look at the four functional units of the human voice. Building on what we’ve learned about systems, phonation, and the many ways voice is defined, we’ll see how power, vibration, resonance, and articulation work together to create the sounds we make every day. It’s an exciting shift from theory into practice—one that can enrich your understanding and help you refine your own unique voice.
LESSON SUMMARY
Voice as a Phonatory System: The text defines voice as an interconnected system of anatomical structures that produce sound via vibrating vocal folds.
Multiple Meanings of “Voice”: It can represent human-made sounds, a musical part, an author’s style, or self-expression, influenced by culture, language, and society.
Universal Communication: Across different languages (including tonal languages) and oral traditions, the concept of voice changes, yet it always serves as a powerful mode of expression.
Phonation and Systems: Phonation is the production of voiced sounds through vibrations in the larynx, and voice functions as a system with multiple interacting components, relationships, and a shared purpose of producing sound.
Comparison With Animals and Instruments: Birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians use variations of phonation; acoustic instruments also operate on power, vibration, and resonance, mirroring the voice’s fundamental principles.
EXERCISE OR ACTIVITY: PHONATORY SYSTEM MAPPING
Identify the Parts
Take a moment to visualize or outline the main components of your phonatory system (lungs, larynx, vocal folds, etc.). Use simple sketches or labels to show how these parts connect.
Map Out Their Relationships
Next, draw lines or arrows between the components to indicate how they interact. For example, draw an arrow from the lungs to the vocal folds to show that airflow triggers vibration.
Add External Influences
Include any factors you feel affect your voice, such as posture, hydration, or emotional state. Place these outside the main “system” box, but draw connections or notes describing their impact.
Reflect
In a short paragraph or discussion, explain how this map helped you visualize the voice as a system. Did it clarify the relationships and boundaries between components? How might understanding these connections help you use or develop your voice more effectively?
This activity helps you see voice in action: a set of interconnected elements working together to create the sounds we rely on every day.
