* Articulation: The tongue is responsible for shaping the sounds of speech. It moves around the mouth to create different vowel and consonant sounds.
* Sound production: The tongue helps to control the airflow from the lungs, which is necessary for creating sound.
* Swallowing: The tongue also plays a vital role in swallowing, ensuring food and liquids go down the esophagus and not the windpipe.
While people without a tongue cannot speak in the traditional sense, they can still communicate through other means:
* Sign language: This is a visual language using hand gestures and facial expressions to communicate.
* Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): This includes devices like speech-generating devices, communication boards, and eye-tracking systems.
* Writing: Individuals can communicate through writing, either by hand or using assistive technology.
Even though a tongue is essential for speech, these alternative methods allow people without a tongue to express themselves and communicate with others.