Different part of tongue and their relationship with speech sounds?

The tongue is a crucial organ for speech production as it plays a major role in shaping the sounds that we produce. Different parts of the tongue are responsible for producing different speech sounds. Here is a breakdown of how different parts of the tongue are involved in speech production:

1. Front of the tongue: The front part of the tongue is responsible for producing sounds like /t/, /d/, /n/, /l/, /s/, /z/, /sh/, and /ch/. These sounds are produced by placing the tip or blade of the tongue against the alveolar ridge or the front teeth.

2. Middle of the tongue: The middle part of the tongue is involved in producing sounds like /r/, /k/, /g/, and /ng/. These sounds are produced by raising the middle part of the tongue towards the roof of the mouth.

3. Back of the tongue: The back part of the tongue is responsible for producing sounds like /k/, /g/, /ng/, /h/, and /r/. These sounds are produced by raising the back of the tongue towards the soft palate or the back of the mouth.

4. Root of the tongue: The root of the tongue is involved in producing sounds like /k/, /g/, /ng/, and /r/. These sounds are produced by raising the root of the tongue towards the back of the mouth.

Overall, the coordination of different parts of the tongue is essential for producing a wide range of speech sounds in different languages. The tongue's flexibility and ability to move quickly and accurately are crucial for clear and intelligible speech production.

Tip of the Tongue (Apex)

- Involved in producing alveolar consonants: /t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /z/, /θ/, /ð/
- Also involved in apical stops /tʔ/, /dʔ/

Blade of the Tongue

- Involved in producing palatal consonants: /j/, /k/, /g/, /ŋ/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/
- Also involved in palatalized consonants, such as /tʲ/, /dʲ/

Front of the Tongue (Dorsum)

- Involved in producing dental consonants: /θ/, /ð/
- Also involved in /f/, /v/, and labiodental approximants /w/, /ʍ/

Midline of the Tongue

- Involved in producing uvular consonants: /q/, /ɢ/

Back of the Tongue (Dorsum)

- Involved in producing velar consonants: /k/, /g/, /ŋ/
- Also involved in pharyngeal consonants /ħ/, /ʕ/

Root of the Tongue

- Involved in producing epiglottal trill /ʀ/
- Also involved in the uvular trill /ʁ/

Other Parts of the Tongue

- Lateral margins: Involved in producing lateral consonants /l/ and /ɬ/
- Underside: Involved in producing retroflex consonants /ʈ/, /ɖ/, /ɳ/