How To Tame A Wild Tongue

A wild tongue is a term coined by Gloria Anzaldúa in her book, “Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza.” It refers to how people speak, which reflects their cultural identity and experiences. A wild tongue is often seen as a threat to dominant cultures, who try to suppress it through language policing and assimilation. It leads many people to feel ashamed of their language and culture.

One must first acknowledge its value and power to tame a wild tongue. Language is essential to our identity and connects us to our community. Embracing our wild tongues can help us reclaim our cultural heritage and resist oppressive forces that seek to erase it. We can also learn from other cultures’ languages and incorporate them into our own.

However, taming a wild tongue does not mean abandoning or neglecting it altogether. Instead, we should strive for a balance between expressing ourselves authentically while also being able to communicate effectively with others outside of our culture or community. By learning how to code-switch between different languages and styles of speaking, we can navigate different social situations without compromising our identities or sacrificing effective communication skills. 

How to speak clearly

Learning to speak clearly can be challenging, especially with a wild tongue. A wild tongue tends to speak fast or mumble, making it difficult for others to understand what you’re saying. To speak more clearly, start by slowing down your speech and enunciating your words properly. Speak at a comfortable pace that allows you to pronounce each syllable of the word correctly.

Another way to tame your wild tongue is by practising good breathing techniques. Take deep breaths before speaking, and use the air in your lungs to support the sound of your voice. It will help you project and articulate words with greater clarity. Additionally, it’s essential to pay attention to the sounds that come out of your mouth when speaking; focus on pronouncing each vowel and consonant sound correctly.

Finally, record yourself speaking or ask a friend for feedback on your enunciating words. When listening back or receiving feedback, note where tone, volume, speed or pronunciation improvements can be made. Mistakes are being made repeatedly so they don’t become habit-forming habits over time! 

Tongue exercises

The tongue is a powerful muscle that can be tamed with the right exercises. Regular tongue exercises can help improve speech, swallowing, and even breathing. Practising twisters is one of the most effective ways to tame a wild tongue. These phrases or sentences are difficult to say due to their complex sounds or rhyming patterns.

Another way to exercise your tongue is by working on your enunciation skills. It involves properly pronouncing each syllable in a word and ensuring your mouth forms the correct shape for each sound. You can also try simple exercises like sticking out your tongue as far as possible and holding it there for a few seconds before pulling it back in.

In addition to these exercises, there are other practices you can do to help tame a wild tongue, such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine and regular tongue exercises allows you to control your speech and communicate more effectively. 

What are some exercises to tame a wild tongue?

Tongue exercises

Like any other muscle, your tongue must be exercised regularly to stay healthy and under control. Some simple exercises include rolling your tongue from side to side, touching the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and holding it for a few seconds, or even sticking out your tongue as far as possible. These exercises help calm down a wild tongue and improve speech clarity.

Meditation

Meditation is an excellent way to calm the mind and focus on self-awareness. When taming a wild tongue, meditation can help by increasing mindfulness around what you say and how you say it. By being more present in conversations and choosing words carefully, you can avoid impulsively blurting out whatever comes into your head.

Listening skills

Sometimes our tongues run wild because we are not truly listening to the person we are talking with. Improving our listening skills is important when taming a wild tongue because it allows us to fully understand what someone is saying before responding thoughtfully instead of impulsively. Active listening means paying attention without interrupting or judging while giving genuine feedback at appropriate times – this helps build stronger relationships and reduces misunderstandings that may lead to hurtful words being said impulsively. 

How can I speak more clearly with a wild tongue?

Learning to speak more clearly with a wild tongue can be challenging, but it is not impossible. One approach starts by slowing your speech, enunciating each word and pausing between sentences. It will give you time to process your thoughts and formulate clear ideas before expressing them.

Another tip for taming a wild tongue is practising deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing helps you relax and control your vocal cords, making it easier to articulate words more clearly. Listening carefully to how others speak can also help improve your speech patterns.

Finally, don’t forget the power of practice. Take every opportunity to practice speaking in front of others or record yourself speaking and listen back for areas of improvement. Dedication and persistence can teach anyone how to tame their wild tongue and communicate more effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wild tongue?

A wild tongue refers to the inability of an individual to express themselves effectively in speech or writing. It is a condition that arises when one lacks confidence, vocabulary, or grammar skills needed to convey their thoughts and emotions.

How can I tame my wild tongue?

Taming a wild tongue requires practice and patience. First, identify your weaknesses through self-assessment or seeking feedback from others. Then, improve your communication skills by reading books, attending classes or workshops, and practising speaking or writing regularly.

Can language barriers affect our ability to tame our tongues?

Yes, language barriers can make it difficult for individuals to express themselves fluently in another language. However, practising and exposure to the new language environment through immersion activities such as watching films or listening to podcasts in that particular language can help improve one’s proficiency level over time.