In simple terms, a voice is the sound produced by the lungs and vocal organs, but what of those who cannot speak? What of those who can but are too shy or removed from society to be heard?

In truth, having a voice means more than just the production of sound. It is to have meaning and to express individual thoughts and experiences. This broadens what we understand as ‘voice’ to include other forms of language and communication. Thus, in becoming so synonymous with expression, voice comes to suggest a sense of belonging to a place or idea, a partaking in decisions, and inevitably, a divulging of ourselves to others. After all, what we do with our voice says a lot about us.

Beyond self-expression, voice is a social tool. Think of it this way, lions whose roar cannot be heard will not impart authority within their pride. And while human society does not function in the same way as a pride of lions does, society is still very much run by those with strong voices.

Yet, it comes as no surprise that the quiet ones have a lot to say, too.

In Issue 48, THINK has turned to individuals at the University of Malta working on uplifting hidden voices. Surprisingly, children are at the forefront of these stifled voices, not at all for their actual quietness, but more for our predisposition to see them as young and inexperienced.

A voice can only have as much power as the listener will allow, so those at the periphery of our society will always suffer the most in this regard. By pulling these experiences into our line of sight, THINK aims to return our attention where it is needed.