“Does your tongue cause speech issues?”

Yes, the position and movement of the tongue can indeed contribute to speech issues or speech delays. The tongue plays a crucial role in producing various speech sounds. It helps shape and direct airflow to create specific sounds and articulations.

In some cases, individuals with speech delays or disorders may exhibit difficulties with tongue movements or tongue placement during speech production. For example, if the tongue has limited mobility or if there are issues with tongue coordination, it can affect the ability to accurately produce certain sounds, such as those involving tongue-tip placement, such as "t," "d," "n," or "l."

Additionally, structural abnormalities or conditions that affect the tongue's anatomy, such as tongue tie (ankyloglossia), may impact speech production. Tongue tie occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual, limiting the tongue's range of motion.

However, it is important to note that not all speech delays or disorders are caused by issues with the tongue. Speech and language development involve a complex interplay of various factors, including oral muscle coordination, hearing, cognitive abilities, and overall development. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment by a qualified speech-language pathologist or healthcare professional is necessary to determine the specific factors contributing to an individual's speech delay.

If you have concerns about your speech or suspect a speech delay, it is recommended to seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist. We can assess your specific situation, identify any underlying causes, and provide appropriate intervention or therapy to address speech-related challenges effectively.

Tongue weakness can impact speech quality. Also, some people have a heaviness or thick feeling to their tongue that impacts speech. A speech therapist can assist with imprecise speech.

If you are an adult, then you do not have a speech delay, you have a disorder. In answer to your question, yes, tongue weakness is a common cause of lisping. I would recommend seeing a speech-language pathologist that specializes in myofunctional therapy.

There are ways a tongue can contribute to difficulties with speech especially if the frenulum is too short. Your concerns with speech need to be addressed by a speech language pathologist - personal evaluation. I cannot give you such a general answer to a general question without awareness of your medical history. Obtain a speech language pathology evaluation for more clarity on your specific situation.

If you have tongue-tied movements that are required to produce certain sounds can be affected. If there is weakness, speech also can be affected. So, the answer of your question is yes.