Pronunciation of "w" - a colorful green EYE-dea that sweeps curiously

With apologies to Chomsky, previous posts have explored the potential "hexus," or connections between the perceptual and neurophysiological nature of the visual field, the color spectrum and the phonaesthetic qualities of the English vowel system. (In addition to the metaphorical visual "space" used by various philosophical and other more down-to-earth conceptual systems.)

Clip art:
Clker

Clip art:
Clker

We have known for some time that the pedagogical movement pattern (PMP) for the English glide, 'w,' produces a momentary green hue in the center of the visual field. (Try this: Imagine a 6 inches in diameter, about 3 inches in front of your face, centered on your nose. Beginning at 11 o'clock, trace that circle with you right forefinger with both eyes fixed upon it, at moderate speed.) The PMP for 'w' begins with a semi-circle in that area as the sound is articulated. Actually the PMP begins in the green quadrant (NW) and ends in the blue (SW) or sweeps back up to NW.

Exactly why that happens is not entirely clear but obviously the circuits between the red and green sensors in the eyes are getting entangled. (Here is a summary of how the eyes process color, in general, that suggests something of what is probably involved.) As a student once remarked, it creates a temporary, rat-like worldview. That PMP, by the way, is a great quick fix for a learner who cannot do a word-initial 'w' as in "wood." The word, woo, even has that PMP on both ends! In HICP/EHIEP, even going around in (curious, colorful, green) circles can be productive . . .

"Phonetic" Justice

An excerpt from "Poetic Justice" by rapper, Kool Moe Dee. The full text of the linked rap is not recommended or endorsed, but he does make an interesting link, metaphorically--depending on your worldview, between phonetic and justice which is worth considering briefly:

"They play the weak cause the weak won't speak

But that just makes a fan go seek

A station that they know will bust this

(Who's on the radio) poetic justice

Poetic Justice

What goes around, comes around

Goes around, comes around (2x)

Doing justice to poetry

Poetic, phonetic, genetic, fanatic - you connect it."

The primary focus of HICP work has evolved to center on the classroom where

(1) There is minimal technology, only video playback.
(2) The instructor has minimal, if any training in phonetics and pronunciation.
(3) The students may be motivated (or not-probably not) to practice outside of class and may or may not be literate.
(4) All sound change work (what is still referred to by some as "pronunciation instruction") is seamlessly integrated into class work.
(5) The students generally cannot afford or wouldn't bother with an Android or iPhone pronunciation app. to work on their "intelligibility."

I had years earlier joked that I specialized in "those with accents and money." EHIEP protocols still work with  those clients, of course, but "phonetic justice" demands something more . . .