Have you ever heard someone click their tongue? Maybe to express disapproval, or to call a horse? But what if clicking wasn’t just random noises, but actual words used in a fully functional language?
This is the reality for the indigenous Khoisan people of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. Their languages, such as Khoekhoegowab (also known as Nama/Damara) and !Xóõ (pronounced “Click-hoo”), are classified as click consonants languages. Yes, you read that right – clicks are considered consonants, just like the B or P in English.
Here’s the fun fact: These languages incorporate a mind-blowing number of clicks – up to 160 distinct clicks in !Xóõ! That’s compared to the measly two or three most people can manage (try clicking your tongue at the roof of your mouth for a dental click, or at the side of your teeth for a lateral click).
But these clicks aren’t just random noises thrown in for effect. The way you click your tongue – where, how hard, and even with what part of your tongue – completely changes the meaning of the word. Imagine the complexity of mastering a language where a simple “t” sound can have ten different variations depending on the click you use!
The Khoisan languages are fascinating examples of human linguistic diversity. Sadly, due to pressure from dominant cultures, the number of speakers is dwindling. However, there are efforts underway to revitalize these languages, ensuring this unique form of communication isn’t lost to the world.
So next time you click your tongue, remember – you might be unknowingly dabbling in the art of a click consonant language champion!