Creaky Voice
As an Observationist, I have developed a particular speech interest called “creaky voice.” Creaky voice, creak, and vocal fry are technical terms for what I will describe as the dropping of the pitch of a normal speaking voice down to a low, guttural pitch at the end of a sentence. For a scientific discussion of this, including the nuances between different terms, there are a number of articles such as “Acoustic properties of different kinds of creaky voice,” (Keating, Garellek, Kreiman). However, my continued fascination with the creaky voice phenomenon has to do with why it occurs and not how it occurs (how the sounds are made). In other words, why do people use this speech pattern, where did they learn it, and when/why did it take root to become a dominant pattern in some segments of our society?
In Googling the subject, I found theories for creaky voice use as diametrically opposed as “the speaker lacks confidence,” to “the speaker is demonstrating confidence by identifying with and emulating other successful people.” It should be noted here that this speech pattern is a cultural phenomenon seen primarily (but not exclusively) in younger women, including 2/3+ of all college students. Some say its predecessor was “valley girl-speak,” where the voice rises at the end of a sentence. I have some difficulty with this, since the valley girl was typecast as lacking intelligence, whereas the creaky voice is presumably associated with intelligence. My observations: creaky voice is reduced when female actors assume a role (it's mostly non-existent in older movies), it is often not heard when female reporters read the news, and it may or may not appear when a female reads a commercial message. So, it is a very personal pattern consciously developed to present an image.
And for full disclosure, it has been noted that this speech pattern “bugs” older, white men (e.g., Dr. R. C. Anderson), the population to which I belong. This has been brought up by authors discussing the dynamics of older men in positions of authority working with females with creaky voices, presumably adding a bias to the relationship. However, as creaky voice seems to be growing, not diminishing, behavioral changes will likely only occur with the older, white men. And interestingly, there doesn't appear to be a similar displeasure, male or female, with males speaking in creaky voice.
To keep this short(er), let me repeat that I have an interest in why and when this speech pattern developed, and the reasons why it will continue. I would be delighted to hear your thoughts…
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