The Tongue (Lisān)

The tongue is a muscular organ connected to the lower jaw. It is the most important and most frequently used organ in producing sounds. Therefore, it is metaphorically used to refer to language, dialect, and speech. For example, Allah Almighty says: ﴿وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوۡمِهِۦ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمۡ﴾ [Ibrahim: 4], meaning: in their language.

The tongue is a general articulation point from which includes ten specific articulation points. It includes eighteen letters. Below is an explanation of the sections of the tongue through text and attached diagrams.

The tongue is divided into four areas:

First: The Back of the Tongue Area:

This area lies between the top of the throat and the middle of the tongue, along with the corresponding upper palate. This area contains two specific articulation points for two letters: Qāf (ق) and Kāf (ك).

Second: The Middle of the Tongue:

This area is situated between the two edges of the tongue and their corresponding upper palate. It contains one specific articulation point from which three letters are produced: Jīm (ج), Shīn (ش), and non-elongated Yāʾ (ي).

Third: The Edge of the Tongue:

This area extends along the tongue from its back to its tip on both sides, with corresponding upper teeth. It contains two specific articulation points for two letters: Ḍād (ض) and Lām (ل).

Fourth: The Tip of the Tongue:

This area lies at the tip of the tongue with corresponding gingiva and cervical part of the upper teeth. It contains five specific articulation points, which include eleven letters.