Introduction
In the “From Upspeak to Vocal Fry” installment of Fresh Air podcast, Terry Gross explores societal views on the speech patterns of young women, particularly upspeak and vocal fry. Gross engages journalist Jessica Grose, linguist Dr. Penny Eckert, and speech and language pathologist Susan Sankin in a conversation about the critiques young women’s vocal styles face. The discussion delves into the origins of these criticisms, examining possible factors such as sexism, intergenerational disparities, and genuine concerns regarding communication proficiency.
The dialogue underscores the tendency to critique young women’s speech, claiming that upspeak and vocal fry diminish their credibility or suggest a lack of gravitas. This examination extends beyond young women’s voices, reflecting wider societal inclinations to regulate women’s conduct and presentation and to uphold conventional gender standards (NPR, 2015). Jessica Grose recounts her firsthand encounters with unfavorable commentary on her voice, prompting her to pursue voice training. This highlights the tangible effects of such regulation on individuals’ self-esteem and careers.
The Fresh Air
The Fresh Air segment echo...