Whistling

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A very clear example of the way the lips look as whistling is happening
Another way to whistle; a similar method is to use only two fingers, one each side

Whistling by people can be done without a whistle. Hard to describe, it is done by creating a small opening with one's lips and then blowing or sucking air through the hole. The air is moderated by the lips, curled tongue,[1] teeth or fingers (placed over the mouth).

The use of pursed lips, tongue and sometimes fingers is to create turbulence The curled tongue acts as a resonant chamber, acting as a type of Helmholtz resonator. The art of whistling is a hard task to accomplish but is much easier once mastered.

Whistling is done to make people at a distance hear your signal. Sometimes used to call a cab, it can be used in dense forest or on hill-tops. It is a non-verbal method of communication which says, in effect, "take notice, I'm here". Whistling is widely used by shepherds to control their dogs.

References[change | change source]

  1. "How to Whistle With Your Fingers". The Art of Manliness. April 8, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2017.