Alaryngeal speech

Alaryngeal speech is speech made using sources other than the glottis in the larynx to create voiced sound. There are three types: esophageal, buccal and pharyngeal speech. Each of these uses an alternative method of creating speech-like phonation to that normally provided by the vocal cords. These forms of alaryngeal speech are also called “pseudo-voices".

Esophageal speech

Esophageal speech uses air supply to create phonation from the esophagus and pharyngo-esophageal segment to act as a replacement for the glottis. It is usually acquired following speech therapy after laryngectomy as a replacement for laryngeal speech.

Buccal speech

This is created by producing an air bubble between the left (or right) upper jaw and the cheek that can act as an alternative “lung”. The person then uses muscular action to drive the air through a small gap between or behind the teeth into the mouth. The sound so produced makes a high rough sound. This then is articulated to make speech. It is usually acquired as a taught or self-learnt skill for entertainment. It can be used as a method of singing. It is also known as Donald Duck talk due to its use by Clarence Charles "Ducky" Nash for the voice of the Disney Donald Duck character.