nasal (Sound)
Nasal sound refers to a type of speech sound produced when air flows through the nasal cavity during articulation. This occurs when the velum, a part of the soft palate, lowers, allowing air to escape through the nose. Common examples of nasal sounds in English include the letters m, n, and ng as in "man," "no," and "sing."
Nasal sounds are classified as voiced, meaning the vocal cords vibrate during their production. They play a crucial role in distinguishing meanings of words in various languages. In addition to English, many other languages, such as French and Hindi, also utilize nasal sounds, contributing to their unique phonetic characteristics.