4655 Tongue Twisters:
the Largest International Collection

😋 What Is a Tongue-Twister?

Let’s begin an exploration of this international collection, it’s useful to study the basics first. Primary definitions and brief history may aid you in understanding the value of a tongue-twister.

🤷 Definitions

To study a tongue-twister, we start with 3 key definitions that you are to differentiate:

• Tongue-twister: “A sequence of words, often alliterative, difficult to articulate quickly.” (Oxford English Dictionary)

You can see a variety of examples below, as this collection is dedicated to them. However, there are 2 categories of tongue twisters that are worth mentioning:

• Shibboleth: “A word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

  Example: Plaid as a synonym for “tartan” — a long, rectangular piece of cloth, usually with such a pattern and worn across the left shoulder by Scottish Highlanders.

• Battologism: A phrase or sentence built by a (tiresome) repetition of the same words or sounds.

  Example: Wright did not write “rite” right. Wright, write “rite” right, right away!

📚 History

Like many great things, tongue twisters were originally invented for fun. Later, their significance became more apparent when people started to use them as a tool for speech therapy.

For the first time, the “tongue twister” was documented in 1875 and referred to words or phrases that were hard to repeat. Almost immediately, the meaning started to change. People used the term concerning the sequences that were intentionally mouthful. Even then, it was seen as a way to improve diction and pronunciation.

Source: etymonline.com

The definition of "tongue twisters" in its current lexical meaning appeared in 1904. At the turn of the century, such awkward sequences were published in newspapers and magazines for fun and practice. Soon various nations considered their utilization for educational purposes.

You can find more detailed information about their history in this article . Meanwhile, let’s move on to the next discussion.

👅 Benefits of Tongue Twisters

How can tongue twisters help you to learn a language or improve your pronunciation? Can they assist you in your everyday life? Read the following sections to find out!

🤝 Correct Your Daily Speech

You communicate with strangers or your loved ones every day. So don’t you think that an improvement of your speech would be useful? Repeating mouthful phrases is perfect for non-exhaustive self-reformation that won’t distract you for long.

There are several ways this practice can help you:

• With the assistance of tongue twisters, you will be able to enunciate. Quit mumbling or “swallowing” parts of words! Repeat an awkward sequence of vowels and consonants to ensure a flawless diction. Ask your friends to say whenever you fail or lack clarity, if you’re not certain that you can do it yourself.
• Tongue twisters also aid in curing speech impediments. Doctors recommend them for treating hiccups, lisps, and other similar issues. A repetition of awkward sequences is common for kids as tongue twisters can easily engage and entertain children in speech therapy.
• This tool will make you a confident speaker. Tongue twisters are used by actors, politicians, and public speakers for training. After practicing you won’t be afraid of any expression in your speech — you’ve said worse! You’ll leave a better impression on an audience when you’re focusing on your message rather than the way you talk.

🎓 Learn a Second Language

Today there are plenty of methods to facilitate learning. Tongue twisters are one of them, and here you’ll see several reasons why:

• You can improve fluency by practicing with weird sequences. Frequent repetition leads to memorizing new words and phrases. Subjecting a student to new exercises enhances their learning ability.
• This tool can also make you remember more grammar constructions. Tongue twisters are filled with common expressions and connections between them. You'll use some without noticing and learn them without any effort.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

• Repeating utterances that are hard to pronounce helps with concentration. With time, studying a language can become boring and tiresome. In that case, tongue twisters serve as a fun distraction that also improves your language skills.

🗣 Improve Your Pronunciation

There are numerous ways to polish your pronunciation. Repeating tongue twisters is one of them. Why?

• It aids in training your facial muscles. You may be learning a new language, or fighting a speech impediment doesn't matter. Either way, you need them to adjust. It can be compared to training at the gym. You have to repeat the same string of sounds to perfect them. When your tongue and cheeks ache, you understand that it's working.
• You are always aware of your tongue and lips' position. The way they move or stay still is crucial in reproducing sounds of a language correctly.
• You can improve an accent by using alliteration (the repetition of the same letter or sound). As you listen to how native speakers pronounce tongue twisters and try to repeat, you learn not only their articulation. The sounds they produce will leave a mark in your memory. You may not even notice the way your accent improved!

Here you can hear the wildest tongue twister, according to BBC.

🙋 6 Tips on Tongue Twisters

If you’re questioning how to start your training, here are some simple yet useful tips for you:

• Begin with the first part of a complicated phrase or sentence. When it's perfected, add another, then another, until it's the whole expression.
• Start slower than your usual speed of speech. It may sound obvious, but this step is crucial for most of people. When the pronunciation feels easy, pick up the pace.
• Take breaks between repetitions. Tired tongue and lips won't assist your task!

Source: atkinsbookshelf.wordpress.com

• Practice in front of the mirror. See the movements of your face and detect a mistake. For this purpose, you can watch a video with a native speaker pronouncing the given words.
• Record yourself. Listening to the way you pronounce a sequence may reveal weaknesses. Otherwise, you can ask your friend of a family member to spot all your flaws.
• Repeat one or a few tongue twister every once in a while. This way, you won't let your facial muscles forget useful movements. At the beginning try exercising every day, then — at least once every couple of days.

🤗 A List of 4655 Tongue Twisters from 118 Languages

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