Question 8

Hello Mrs. Lang,
my Asian major singing teacher says I can't speak "dsch" properly because tongue is too short. I went to ENT who says everything is ok. What should I do?
WS*

Hello Mrs. S.,
it is difficult to give a serious answer without direct contact and a hearing sample.
I would also not be able to judge whether a tongue is "too short". Even if this were the case, what should be done? You can't replace the tongue surgically. Every person has to learn to deal with "his" body and thus also with his tongue and to optimize its mobility and to make the best of his perhaps "too short tongue". With a "too short tongue" you would have the clear advantage, because you will probably never lisp, as it could be the case with a "longer tongue". 

Learn to solve your "dsch problem" for yourself: with your own work, personal practice and with professional help to increase the flexibility of your tongue and to produce the mentioned sound. This may take some time.

From a distance, I would recommend that you ask your major vocal teacher to show you exercises that relax and strengthen your tongue and allow for greater tongue flexibility. Ask her to show you how this sound is made and how you can make it with exercises.
Perhaps there is a speech education teacher at your institute who could help you.
You could also ask your ENT doctor for a speech therapist recommendation.
I wish you much perseverance and joy in discovering the possibilities of your tongue mobility.

Sincerely
Yours

Petra Lang

*name changed