In a lighthearted moment during her Vogue India interview last year, Priyanka Chopra Jonas charmed fans by reciting some of her favourite tongue twisters, saying, “Some of you might know it, but I’m really fond of tongue twisters. ‘Betty Botter bought some butter, but the butter was bitter, so then she bought some better butter to make the bitter butter better’ or ‘How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?’ Try it. “‘Kaccha papad, pakka papad‘”.
What might sound like fun and games on the surface is actually a brain-boosting activity backed by science.
According to Dr Yatin Sagvekar, Consultant, Neurology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, tongue twisters like “kaccha papad, pakka papad” are more than child’s play — they activate multiple areas of the brain responsible for speech, memory, coordination, and verbal fluency.
“The execution of these phrases requires quick mental responsiveness and precise articulation. This helps strengthen neural pathways and supports better communication skills,” explains Dr Sagvekar.
The complexity of tongue twisters engages working memory and cognitive flexibility, making them especially beneficial for children developing language, elders maintaining brain function, and those undergoing speech therapy. But tongue twisters are not just for medical benefits. Actors, public speakers, and language learners have long relied on them to improve enunciation and warm their vocal cords.
Priyanka, known for her multilingual fluency, casually showcased the therapeutic potential of tongue twisters without even trying. As Dr Sagvekar suggests, just 5 to 10 minutes of practice, two to three times a week, can yield visible improvements in cognitive sharpness — especially when combined with multilingualism or in the context of age-related brain decline.
Think of it as a mental gym session — a way to boost your verbal fitness without special equipment or time-consuming routines. Whether you’re reciting “kaccha papad, pakka papad” in traffic or battling through “she sells seashells” while brushing your teeth, you’re giving your brain a gentle but powerful workout.
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So next time you find yourself with a few idle minutes, take a cue from Priyanka and twist that tongue — your brain will thank you.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
