Whispering is a quiet mode of communication. People often whisper in situations requiring discretion, such as in a library, during a movie, or when sharing a secret. This allows for communication without disturbing others or revealing private information. It produces sound at a significantly reduced volume.
Vocal Cords and Whisper: The Direct Answer
When you whisper, your vocal cords do not vibrate as they do during normal speech. Whispering lacks the characteristic vocal cord vibration, or phonation, that produces voiced sounds. The sound of a whisper is primarily created by turbulent airflow.
The Mechanics of Whispering
Whispering is produced through manipulation of airflow and vocal cord positioning. Unlike voiced speech, the vocal cords are held close together but do not vibrate. Air from the lungs is forced through this narrow opening between the vocal cords. This partial constriction creates turbulence and friction, generating a hissing sound as the air rushes past. The mouth and tongue then shape this unvoiced, turbulent air into recognizable words, much like they do in regular speech.
Comparing Whispering to Normal Speech
Normal speech, also known as voiced speech, relies on the vibration of the vocal cords. These two bands of muscle and tissue within the larynx, or voice box, rapidly open and close as air from the lungs passes through them. This vibration creates sound waves, which are then amplified and shaped by the vocal tract to form distinct words and sounds. In contrast, whispering bypasses this vibratory mechanism. While the articulators (tongue, lips, jaw) still form words, the sound itself originates from the turbulent airflow through a partially open glottis, rather than from vocal cord vibration. This distinction results in whispering being unvoiced, while normal speech is voiced.
Common Misconceptions and Vocal Health
A common misconception is that whispering is gentler on the vocal cords, especially when the voice is hoarse or recovering. However, prolonged or forceful whispering can strain the vocal box muscles. This is because whispering often requires increased air pressure and a constriction of the vocal cords, which can lead to fatigue and irritation. Experts advise against whispering when experiencing laryngitis or vocal strain, suggesting that speaking softly at a normal pitch is preferable for vocal recovery. The constant airflow during whispering can also dry out the vocal cords, potentially exacerbating existing conditions.