The tongue is one of the most important articulators in speech production.

Its functions include:

• Shaping sounds by changing position inside the mouth
• Making contact with the teeth, alveolar ridge, and palate
• Controlling airflow during speech

The tongue’s flexibility allows it to produce a wide range of sounds. However, limited mobility or poor control can lead to:

• Sound substitutions
• Distorted pronunciation
• Speech disorders such as lisping