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Is the ability to flutter tongue a genetic trait?

Asked by PhiNotPi (12681points) January 18th, 2012

Well, we were sight reading new music and the trumpets had to flutter tongue a part of the piece. The trumpets didn’t expect that (I wouldn’t either, but I don’t play trumpet), so then the band director got into a discussion about flutter tonguing and of course showed off his flutter-tonguing-abilities. Then, a lot of people briefly did the flutter-tonguing thing because they thought it sounded cool. However, I don’t have a clue how to flutter tongue. That of course made me think “Why can’t I do that?” So, is the ability to flutter tongue is a genetic trait, like the ability to roll your tongue into a tube shape? I am unable to roll my tongue like that, so does that mean that I will never be able to flutter tongue? Or is it an ability that everyone can do, but some people can do it naturally while others have to take time and practice?

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