Reviving rustic rhythm

Liu has successively compiled clapper talk textbooks for Zhangzhuang primary school and Quanxin primary school. The tutorials are set to inspire the children. In the process of writing and researching, he found that very few pupils knew about the art; instead, they talked more about online games and animation.

"Clapper talk helps the mind exercise. It can improve the coordination between the brain, the limbs and the mouth. Giving benign stimulation to the cerebral cortex is an effective way to develop the right brain," he says. "As the lyrics follow a tempo, it also develops a child's sense of rhythm."

Liu emphasizes that the folk art pays attention to articulating the words and returning to the sound, using deep breathing, and transporting the air from the belly with vigor. "Besides polishing one's language skills, clapper talk can boost cognitive abilities and motor skills. In short, it is a gem of an art that cannot be lost," he says.

Inspired by a wooden musical instrument, shaped like a toad and producing a unique sound when there was friction between its serrated edges, Liu tried to replicate the rustic music by creating similar serrations on a pair of traditional clappers. He was able to produce a crisp "gadagada" sound.