Viva voce is a Latin phrase that means "with living voice". It is used to refer to an oral examination or presentation rather than a written one. The spelling of viva voce in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈviːvə ˈvəʊsi/. The first syllable is pronounced like "vee", the second syllable is pronounced like "vuh", and the third syllable is pronounced like "oh-see". This pronunciation guide can help non-native speakers of English properly say the phrase.
Viva voce is a Latin term that translates to "with the living voice" or "by word of mouth." It is commonly used to describe a method of examination or assessment in which the candidate is required to verbally respond to questions presented by an examiner or a panel of examiners.
In an academic context, viva voce refers to an oral examination that typically takes place in the final stages of a doctoral thesis or dissertation. During this examination, the candidate is expected to defend their research, provide explanations, answer questions, and engage in a scholarly discussion with the examiners. The purpose of the viva voce examination is to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of their research topic, as well as their ability to critically analyze and defend their work.
Viva voce examinations are also commonly used in other settings, such as in law schools, where they are known as oral arguments. In legal proceedings, viva voce refers to the presentation of evidence or testimony given orally by a witness, as opposed to providing a written statement. It allows for direct questioning, cross-examination, and the opportunity for the presiding judge or jury to assess the credibility and reliability of the witness and their testimony.
Overall, viva voce is a term that describes an examination or assessment conducted through spoken communication, either in an academic or legal context, allowing for immediate interaction and evaluation of the candidate's knowledge, skills, and expertise.
By word of mouth; orally.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The phrase "viva voce" is derived from Latin, where "viva" means "alive" or "lively", and "voce" means "voice". In Latin, "viva voce" translates to "with the living voice".