Topic-096: Phonation Explanation ‘Phonation’ is a general term used in phonetics to refer to any vocal activity in the larynx (i.e., sound box. The possibilities of various kinds of vocal-fold vibration (voicing or phonation) are the main phonatory activities, and the study of phonation types is aimed at accounting for the various laryngeal possibilities (such as voiced, voiceless, breathy and creaky voice. Some phoneticians also include the modifications in phonation under this heading which stem from variations in length, thickness and tension of the vocal folds as displayed in the various registers of speech. Actually during the phonation process, what happens is that the air passes between the vocal folds and modification to the air passage takes place in the laryngeal area thus creating variation in intensity, frequency and quality of the sound. This has an important role in speech including the voicing of sounds and murmuring.
