Star wars theory
Light sabers are...a glamour, basically. Force users just trick people into believing they are real. Laser swords, plasma...no. It's all merely people being convinced that they're seeing and hearing and feeling something that isn't there, while some schmuck in a robe waves a metal handle around.
Star wars theory
Chewbacca is just a normal-looking human type guy. However, his species wears elaborate space suits that make them look 7 feet tall, and hairy. They also have respirators like Darth Vader to allow them to speak through their helmets. That's why they sound a little hoarse.