Voice and speech

Speech normally results from the coordination of four operations: voice activation energized by the cycle of respiration; phonating sound generation by transformation of that energy in the larynx; sound moulding into voice patterns in the pharynx; and speech forming articulation, such as by opening or closing the mouth.

Respiration may be treated on its own as a metaphor (see Breathing) for various alternating processes (e.g. political shifts between right and left, policy shifts between decentralization and centralization, shifts in awareness between right and left-hemisphere modes). Once psycho-social processes are being energized by such low frequency shifts, the energy of a particular shift may be used to engender shifts of a much higher frequency and of different nature. These can be perceived at a much greater distance. The frequency of these high frequency shifts can be modulated to carry new levels of meaning of much greater subtlety than is possible with the low frequency shifts. Modulation is partly achieved by precise variations in the manner in which collective (or individual) expression is regulated (or deregulated).

The manner in which subtle distinctions are carried on a cycle of much coarser distinctions without which the former could not be expressed.

Some forms of jargon indicate explicit awareness of the 'sound' a group makes. This awareness does not extend to the manner in which a group 'articulates', its concerns, although the expression is used. People may however be said to act in terms of an implicit awareness of the characteristic meanings conveyed by groups in society.

Speech disorders. The psychological and physiological distinction between (rhythmic) singing and (arhythmic) speech. Laughter. Transition between vocal registers and their relationship to the size voice types (bass, baritone, and tenor, in the male, in contrast to contralto, mezzo-soprano, and soprano, in the female).