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Writer's pictureDela Martin

Taking a Breath. The Power of Breath in Language.

Updated: Oct 1

Your voice comes from airflow. It starts in your voice box (larynx), where your vocal cords are. The air then moves into your lungs. When you inhale, the diaphragm, a muscle in your abdomen, contracts, and when you exhale, it expands. This rhythmic movement helps circulate air in your lungs.

Why is breathing important? For one, it allows you to relax. Speaking in English is not always comfortable and many speakers get nervous. That is the time to breathe. I start every one of my English classes with a nice deep belly breath.


Additionally, the sounds you use to speak come from breath. The actions of breathing, such as controlling, holding, or cutting off breath play a role in generating specific sounds. This is a topic explored in my pronunciation classes.


Let’s practice some basic breathing exercises right now. Inhale through your nose, feeling the air go down your throat and expand your stomach. Exhale, allowing your face and body to relax.


If you want to to learn more about the benefits of breathing, I highly recommend this book, “Breathe Deep: An Illustrated Guide to the Transformative Power of Breathing” by Misha Maynerick Blaise.

This is a beautiful little book for English language book lovers and a stylish addition to any coffee table. 


Enjoy Reading!











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