Here we have a subtle sound that comes from both lips being pressed together. This sound has a defining end to it coming to a complete stop.
It is a sensitive sound which supports well the expression of feelings. The characteristics of this single consonantal sound can be both assertive and tentative. The words "persistent' and "playful" with consonant p at the beginning depict these two characteristics. The p in "persistent" has the task of driving the vowel e forward firmly. In contrast the watery, flowing nature of the consonant L that immediately follows p in "playful" requires the p to be light and fluid.
Another important characteristic of p is its ability to be a bridge for other speech sounds. Take the word "important". The p acts as a bridge within the word linking the sounds "im" and "por/tant"
You can experience the same bridging and linking quality in the German language with, for example,
"Uber allen Gipfeln" and "Uber allen Wipfeln", where the consonant p in Gipfeln and Wipfeln (Hilltops and Treetops, respectively) contribute significantly to portray a softness necessary in the overall context of the poem - calmness experienced by a travelling wayfarer at rest in the evening. [Goethe - Wayfarers Night Song]
Every consonant in the English language has its own individual character. There are two main types. One type is where the sound of a consonant is "blown" out of the mouth - air sounds. These include f and s, for example.
The second type is where the sound is "thrust" out. These include p, d. t, b and are sounds of force. There are only three consonantal sounds where both lips have to come together to form their sounds. These are b, m, and p. Each require this conscious physical act for the sounds to be formed fully and heard. Without forming the sounds consciously and fully their potential value and worth in a word is lost.
Rudolf Steiner in his study on the sounds of speech spoke of the inner configuration of the sound of p through visualising the sunflower plant by describing it as "that bold faced annual that lifts itself up to such a height .... the enormous overhanging golden flowers that spread out their centres so conspicuously for all to see."
Exercises to help form b and m have been given in earlier Posts on this Blog regarding these two consonants.
An exercise for p is Piffling fifer/Prefacing feather/Phlegma fluting/Fairground piercing. The words in this exercise created by Dr Steiner do not have any meaning. The consonants and words in the four phrases are formed to gymnastically aid articulation.
Creating our own words, phrases, sentence, text with consonants you wish to practise forming is very beneficial.
This leads to describe an item of recent interest on the news channels in the UK. This has been about a "pod" of whales following a shoal of fish running the risk of being grounded in the shallow waters of the River Thames that flows in and out of London.
Generally, there are few occasions when there is a requirement to use the word "pod". When spoken by news readers they expressed a higher than normal connection with this word. Their forming of the sounds for "pod" and in particular the consonant p was noticeably strong.
The characteristic and quality of the p sound, as visualised earlier in the forming of a magnificent, upright, blooming sunflower plant can be felt in the words "pod" and "plight". This picture image of the sunflower helps drive forming the thrusting impact sound of p when speaking here of the plight of the pod of whales and being rescued through encouraging their return to deeper waters.
Please tell me your discoveries looking out for the significance and value of the consonant p, how you have heard it formed by others, exercised and formed this subtle giant of a sound yourselves.
This consonantal sound is in the attached recording.
