The phrase "heard voices" can be transcribed phonetically as /hɜrd ˈvɔɪsɪz/. The first word, "heard," is spelled with the letter "e" but pronounced with the sound /ɜ/, which is closer to the letter "u." The second word, "voices," is pluralized with the ending "-es" because the word ends in the voiceless consonant /s/. The stress falls on the first syllable, with a schwa sound in the second syllable. "Heard voices" is a common phrase used to describe auditory hallucinations or being able to perceive sounds or voices.
Heard voices refers to a phenomenon experienced by certain individuals where they perceive the presence of auditory stimuli, specifically human speech or sound patterns, without any external source. It is commonly associated with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder or major depression with psychotic features. The voices perceived are generally perceived as originating externally, though they are not actually heard through the ears, but internally within the mind of the individual.
Often regarded as a symptom of psychosis, the nature of heard voices varies from person to person. They can manifest as explicit and clear conversations or as mumbled, distant, or partially understood dialogues. Some individuals report hearing multiple voices conversing amongst themselves, while others may hear a single voice speaking directly to them. The content and tone of the voices can range from neutral or friendly to critical, threatening, or commanding, and can vary over time or with emotional states.
The experience of heard voices can significantly impact a person's daily life, causing distress and disruption in their ability to concentrate, socialize, and perform everyday tasks. Psychiatric treatment and interventions, such as medication and therapy, are often used to help manage and mitigate the distress associated with heard voices. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aimed at modifying the person's perception and reaction to the voices, as well as promoting coping strategies, is commonly employed.
The phrase "heard voices" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "heard" and "voices".
- "Heard" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "hear", which comes from the Old English word "hieran" and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hauzan".
- "Voices" is the plural form of the noun "voice", derived from the Old French word "voiz" and ultimately from the Latin word "vox".
Therefore, the etymology of "heard voices" would be the combined history of the words "hear" and "voice".