Tongue-Twisters? Brain-Builders!
Image via Wikipedia about brain-scanning (fMRI) technology. Tongue-twisters provide an entertaining way for us to refine and strengthen our elocution . They are also used therapeutically by speech pathologists and others [remember Bertie and Lionel in " The King's Speech "?] help overcome a variety of speech impediments , including the most troubling one of all: a lack of self-confidence. Tongue-twisters are not childish, and they are not merely speech exercises. They are certified (* by some organization which does not currently exist, but which should be formed ) brain-builders. In speaking them, your mind must clearly identify each word and its proper pronunciation, and differentiate it from the rest of the words. This does several things: 1) It forces the mind to ascribe some meaning or sense to the riddle. It pushes the imagination and creativity; 2) It increases the ability to focus because of the inherent need for precision; 3) It improves visual discernment and...