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Voicing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voicing

[ˈvɔɪsɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

speech communication

Voicing refers to the characteristic of speech sounds that involves the vibration of the vocal cords. It can distinguish between voiced and voiceless sounds, which is crucial in many languages for differentiating meaning between words. In phonetics, voicing is essential in understanding how sounds are produced and perceived. The presence or absence of voicing can significantly impact the clarity and comprehensibility of spoken language.

Synonyms

articulation, voicelessness.

Examples of usage

  • The difference between 'bat' and 'pat' is due to voicing.
  • Linguists study voicing patterns across different languages.
  • Voicing is an important feature in phonetic transcription.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Voicing refers to whether vocal cords vibrate when producing a sound. For example, the sounds 'b' and 'p' differ in voicing.
  • In phonetics, voiced consonants involve the vibration of the vocal cords, while voiceless ones do not.
  • Voicing plays a crucial role in many languages, affecting meaning and pronunciation.

Music

  • In music, voicing can refer to the arrangement of notes within a chord, influencing its texture and sound.
  • Choral voicing involves the parts sung by different voice types, such as soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
  • Composers must consider voicing to create harmonious and balanced musical pieces.

Psychology

  • The way we express our voice can influence how others perceive our emotions and confidence.
  • Studies show that people respond differently to various voicings in speech, impacting social interactions.
  • Public speaking and communication training often focus on voicing techniques to improve clarity and engagement.

Cultural Significance

  • Voicing is crucial in storytelling traditions, where the way a story is told can change its meaning.
  • In many cultures, specific voicings and tones are used during rituals or ceremonies to convey significance.
  • Voice and voicing styles can indicate cultural identity, as dialects and accents vary widely across regions.

Origin of 'voicing'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Voicing' comes from the Old French word 'vois', meaning 'voice'.
  • The term is related to the Latin word 'vox', which also means 'voice'.
  • Historically, the concept of voicing has been a part of linguistic studies for centuries.

The term 'voicing' has its roots in the Middle English word 'vois' meaning 'voice', which itself stems from the Old French 'vois' and the Latin 'vox', meaning 'voice'. The evolution of the term aligns with the development of linguistic studies, particularly in phonetics and phonology. As language evolved, so did the scientific understanding of how sounds are produced using the vocal cords. In the 19th century, linguists began to systematically describe the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds, leading to the more formal use of the term 'voicing' in linguistic contexts. Its significance became even more pronounced with the advent of language teaching and speech therapy, where understanding voicing patterns holds practical importance for clarity and pronunciation. Today, 'voicing' is a key concept in both theoretical and applied linguistics, affecting how we teach and learn language.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,143, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.