The phrase "hears voices" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /hɪrz ˈvɔɪsɪz/. The first sound, /h/, is the voiceless glottal fricative, followed by the short "i" sound represented by /ɪ/. The next two sounds, /r/ and /z/, are consonants that are said together in quick succession. Finally, the word ends with the long "oi" sound represented by /ɔɪ/ and the plural "s" sound represented by /ɪz/. This phrase is often used to describe a symptom of mental illness where a person hears voices that are not there.
The phrase "hears voices" refers to a psychological experience known as auditory hallucinations, wherein a person perceives sounds or voices without any external stimuli. This condition is often associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When an individual "hears voices," they might perceive these sounds as either internal or external. Internal voices are heard as if directly inside the person's head, similar to their thoughts or inner dialogue. Conversely, external voices are perceived as originating from the outside environment, as though someone is speaking to them. These voices can sound unfamiliar or may be recognized as those of people known to the individual. They may be perceived as talking amongst themselves or directly communicating with the person.
The content of the voices can encompass a wide range, varying from benign or neutral conversations to hostile, threatening, or commanding messages. Those who hear voices may feel compelled to respond or obey these perceived instructions. However, it is crucial to note that not all individuals who hear voices experience distress or act on them.
Treatment for those who hear voices often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support services. Medications such as antipsychotics can help reduce the intensity and frequency of hallucinations. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy or specialized interventions, such as voice dialoguing or acceptance and commitment therapy, may assist individuals in managing their experiences and enhancing their overall well-being.
The etymology of the phrase "hears voices" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words.
1. Hears: The word "hears" is derived from the Middle English word "heren", which traces back to the Old English word "hieran". This Old English term is related to the Proto-Germanic word "hauzijan", meaning "to hear" or "to listen".
2. Voices: The word "voices" comes from the Old French term "voiz", which is derived from the Latin word "vox", meaning "voice" or "sound". Latin borrowed this word from the Proto-Indo-European root *wṓkʷs, which also gave rise to words in other Indo-European languages related to "voice".