Members of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama have been aware of the strange imitative practice of “upspeak” for some time. Now this seems to have evolved into another anomaly – vocal fry or, as we know it, guttural growl. Of course, speech patterns, like language, are constantly evolving but, unfortunately, not always for the better.
It seems extraordinary that, having fought hard for the right to be heard, women risk not being listened to, or taken seriously, by adopting a speech impediment – one that is at best laughable, at worst vocally damaging. The STSD wholeheartedly endorses Naomi Wolf’s message (Young women, give up the guttural grrrowl and reclaim your own voice, 25 July).
Cally Foster
Chairperson, STSD
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