phonation (n.)

A general term used in PHONETICS to refer to any vocal activity in the LARYNX whose role is one neither of INITIATION nor of ARTICULATION. The various kinds of VOCAL-FOLD vibration (VOICING) are the main phonatory activities, and the study of phonation types is aimed at accounting for the various laryngeal possibilities, such as BREATHY and CREAKY voice. Some phoneticians would also include under this heading the MODIFICATIONS in phonation which stem from variations in the length, thickness and tension of the vocal folds, as displayed in the various REGISTERS of speech (e.g. falsetto, soprano).