Speech Work – Nasal Sounds /m/, /n/, /ŋ/ - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Speech Work – Nasal Sounds /m/, /n/, /ŋ/

Introduction to Nasal Sounds

Nasal sounds are produced when the airflow passes through the nose due to the lowering of the soft palate, allowing the air to escape through the nasal cavity. There are three main nasal sounds in English: /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/.

 

Nasal Sound /m/

Production: 

The /m/ sound is a bilabial nasal sound. This means that both lips come together to block the airflow from the mouth, directing it through the nose.

The vocal cords vibrate, making it a voiced sound.

Examples:

Initial Position: man, mother, moon

Medial Position: summer, hammer, camera

Final Position : calm, him, thumb

 

Nasal Sound /n/

Production:

The /n/ sound is an alveolar nasal sound. The tip of the tongue touches the alveolar ridge (just behind the upper front teeth), blocking the airflow from the mouth and allowing it through the nose.

The vocal cords vibrate, making it a voiced sound.

Examples                                                                                                                                                        Initial Position: name, night, no

Medial Position: dinner, honey, sunny

Final Position: pen, can, sun

 

Nasal Sound /ŋ/

Production:

  - The /ŋ/ sound is a velar nasal sound. The back of the tongue touches the soft part of the roof of the mouth (the velum), blocking the airflow from the mouth and allowing it through the nose.

  - The vocal cords vibrate, making it a voiced sound.

 - Note: This sound does not occur at the beginning of English words.

 

Examples:

  - **Medial Position**: singer, ringing, longer

 - **Final Position**: sing, long, king

 

Pronunciation Practice

/m/

   - Man: The /m/ sound at the beginning of the word, produced by bringing the lips together and allowing air to flow through the nose.

   - Summer: The /m/ sound in the middle of the word, with the lips coming together.

  - Thumb: The /m/ sound at the end of the word, produced with the lips together and airflow through the nose.

 

/n/

   - Name: The /n/ sound at the beginning, with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge.

   - Dinner: The /n/ sound in the middle, produced with the tongue against the alveolar ridge.

   - Sun: The /n/ sound at the end, with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge and airflow through the nose.

 

/ŋ/

   - Singer: The /ŋ/ sound in the middle, produced with the back of the tongue against the velum.

   - Long: The /ŋ/ sound at the end, produced with the back of the tongue against the velum and airflow through the nose.

 

Sentence Practice:

   - /m/: "My mother makes marvellous meals."

  - /n/: "Nancy knew nine new notes."

  - ŋ/: "The king is singing a long song."

 

Minimal Pairs:

  - /m/ vs. /n/: mat vs. nat, mend vs. send

  - /n/ vs. /ŋ/: ban vs. bang, sin vs. sing