Sir, – The phenomenon that Nuala Gallagher mentions in her letter on “Kardashian accents” (September 19th) is called vocal fry. It is practised mainly but not exclusively by women who artificially deepen their voice to make it sound croaky.
Although vocal fry is not an accent, it is as infectious as an accent. It seems to have started in the United States and has spread to other anglophone countries, sadly including Ireland. It is even beginning to infiltrate RTÉ and is readily found on YouTube.
I fear that, like the Dart accent, it is here to stay until it is replaced by some other vocal affectation in years to come. – Yours, etc,
PAVEL MARIANSKI,
READ SOME MORE
I felt rejected and unwanted in my sexless marriage
‘They think they’re no good and that they shouldn’t be in this world’
Jonathan Coe: ‘The morning after the election felt like waking up in a safe room, having been in an abusive relationship for 14 years’
Irish postpunk band Gurriers: ‘Everyone asks about the Dublin music scene. It’s not just Dublin any more, it’s everywhere’
Dungarvan,
Co Waterford.