Nasally: meaning, definitions and examples

Linguistics

• In phonetics, 'nasal' refers to sounds made by allowing air to flow through the nose, like the sounds 'm' and 'n'.
• Some languages, like French and Portuguese, use nasal sounds more than English, which can affect pronunciation.
• The nasal quality can change the emotion conveyed in speech; for instance, a nasally sound might suggest whining or sadness.

Health

• When someone is sick with a cold or allergies, they often speak in a nasally way due to blocked nasal passages.
• Chronic nasal congestion can lead to a persistent nasally voice, affecting communication and self-esteem.
• Voice therapists may work with individuals who have a nasally quality to improve their speaking or singing voice.

Pop Culture

• Characters in cartoons or comedies often speak nasally to exaggerate humor, like some portrayals of nerds.
• Famous comedians have used a nasally tone to make their characters memorable, leaning into the sound as part of their act.
• In music, some singers intentionally use a nasally style to create a unique sound, such as certain pop and rock artists.

Psychology

• Research suggests that a nasally voice can influence perceptions; people might find someone with a nasally voice less attractive.
• Listeners might judge a nasally voice as less authoritative or confident compared to a clear, resonant voice.
• The way we perceive vocal qualities, including nasality, can affect interpersonal communication and social dynamics.

Music

• Certain singing techniques, like belting or nasal resonance, can enhance projection in performances, particularly in pop music.
• Nasal singing is sometimes used in traditional music styles, adding a distinct cultural flavor and authenticity.
• In choral singing, varying degrees of nasality can be employed for artistic expression, affecting the overall sound of the group.

Ranking #37,372, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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