COVID19 and the English and Spanish languages: a metaphor for our times
Consonant sounds such as the English voiceless stops p, t, and k at the beginning of words (e.g., “pat,” “top,” “kind”) are aspirated because they are pronounced with an accompanying forceful expulsion of air, similarly to the sound that occurs when we aspirate the sound has in English “hat.”
Therefore, with these consonants —p/ t/ k— the English language creates more spittle than other languages such as Spanish. As an experiment, place a lit match about 3 inches from your mouth and say the words “pat,” “top,” “kind,” and you will see the flame of the match flickering, as air is being expelled.
Phonetically, in English pronunciation, one would say pæt/ 'tɒp/ 'kaɪnd. Now repeat the experiment saying “padre / tomar / queso.” However, as you say the initial consonants in Spanish, do not allow air to escape your mouth immediately after the p/t/k [que]. Phonetically, in Spanish pronunciation, one would say ˈpa.ðɾe / ˈto.mas / ke.so.
Please note that Spanish has few words beginning with k, and thus the que [ke] sound is the equivalent one to English k. In phonetics, a plosive or stop consonant is made by blocking a part of the mouth so that no air can pass through, thus reducing spittle.
As a follow-up experiment yell as loud as you can the words “TRUMP, TRUMP, TRUMP,” and imagine how far your spittle will travel. Now yell as loud as you can “BIDEN, BIDEN, BIDEN.” With its English, bilabial, non-aspirated b, no spittle should travel. Which words do you think will compromise less those around you with COVID19?
Choosing the least compromising sounds and words when yelling in a group could very well become a metaphor for our contemporary times. Stop spreading spittle! Be safe!
By: The Professor