The Nasal Sounds

m (mom, Mary, name)

n (nine, name, Nancy)

ng (sing, ring, long)

The M, N, and ng sounds are produced with air movement through the nose. If you hold your nose, you cannot produce these sounds in the same way. (Try that!)
The only differences in these sounds is the position of the lips and tongue. 
Let's look at each sound individually.

The M consonant sound (IPA symbol: /m/) is made by lightly pressing your lips together while making the sound with your vocal chords. 

Although most of the air moves over your soft palate, some air moves through the nose, and it feels like it is vibrating through your nasal passage. This is why the M consonant is referred to as a nasal sound. 
Practice the M sound by saying these words aloud:
1) mom
2) come
3) my
4) miss
5) time
6) man
7) Mary
8) dim
9) may
10) ram

The N consonant sound (IPA symbol: /n/) is made by moving air through the nasal passage. Your lips will be slightly parted. The tongue touches the roof your mouth just behind your teeth. You should feel a vibration in your nose.

Practice the N sound by saying these words aloud:
1) nap
2) man
3) no
4) none
5) not
6) nine
7) ten
8) win
9) tiny 
10) running

Can you feel the vibration in your nose?

You can't study the N sound without also studying the ng sound (IPA symbol: /ŋ/). This is the third nasal sound in English. It is also produced by moving air through your nasal passage, but the tongue placement is different than the N sound. Your tongue is raised and further back in your mouth.

Practice the ng sound by saying these words aloud:
1) sing
2) singer
3) ring
4) thing
5) string
6) wings
7) bring
8) bringing
9) hang
10) English

Now say these sentences out loud. Take your time and practice the placement of the tongue to make the proper N and ng sounds.
The M sounds are blue. The N sounds are green. The ng sounds are red.
1) My mom sings.
2) No, the dog is not mine.
3) That ring is nice.
4) Come here now!
5) What is the man's name?
6) Bring me nine things.
7) Nancy knows him.
8) Bring the hangers to me!
9) Mary sings at night.
10) Learning English is fun!

Good job! Let’s move on!