The Science Behind Tongue Twisters: Why Some Are More Difficult Than Others
Summary
In this article, we explore the science behind tongue twisters and why some are more difficult than others. We discuss how speech sounds are physical actions and provide examples of tongue twisters that involve similar consonant or vowel sounds. We also highlight how different accents can affect the difficulty of tongue twisters.
Table of Contents
- The Physicality of Speech Sounds
- Tongue Twisters and Coordination
- The Impact of Accents on Tongue Twisters
- Conclusion
The Physicality of Speech Sounds
Research has shown that speech sounds are physical actions that require coordination between various parts of the vocal tract. To illustrate this, the speaker provides an ultrasound image of the vocal tract. This image shows how different sounds are produced in the mouth and throat.
Tongue Twisters and Coordination
Tongue twisters are phrases that are difficult to say due to the repetition of similar sounds or the need for precise coordination between different parts of the vocal tract. For example, the tongue twister “Toy Boa” involves the diphthongs “oy” and “oa,” which require similar movements of the tongue and lips. The coordination required to move the tongue in a similar way for both sounds, while also moving the lips in opposite directions, makes the tongue twister difficult.
Another example of a challenging tongue twister is “Truly rural, purely plural.” This tongue twister is difficult for most people, but even more so for Americans due to the extra R sound and the unique American molar R. The speaker notes that the vowel patterns in American English can also be challenging for non-North American speakers.
The Impact of Accents on Tongue Twisters
The speaker also notes that different accents can affect the difficulty of tongue twisters. For example, some tongue twisters may be harder for speakers of certain accents than others. The speaker provides a silly sentence, “A box of mixed biscuits and a biscuit mixer,” which may be difficult for non-North Americans attempting an American accent due to pattern shifts in the vowels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tongue twisters are a fun way to test our coordination and pronunciation skills. The science behind speech sounds and vocal tract coordination helps us understand why some tongue twisters are more difficult than others. Additionally, different accents can also affect the difficulty of tongue twisters. So, the next time you try to say “She sells seashells by the seashore,” remember that it’s not just about the words, but also the physicality of speech sounds.
