Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Letter: More chin stroking on the human chin (2)

Published 18 March 2026

From Hazel Beneke, Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia

I have often wondered whether the shape of the human jaw is influenced by speech as well as diet. For example, people who use the precise consonants required by certain languages seem to have distinct lips. The use of the jaw to pronounce the “r” of American speech seems to give the jaw more projection. I wonder how much of this is my imagination, or whether it has been researched.

Issue no. 3587 published 21 March 2026

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop