nasalization
[/ˌneɪzəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/]
nounfemininepl: nasalizations
nasalização
1. The phonetic process by which a sound becomes nasal, involving the lowering of the velum to allow air to flow through the nose
The nasalization of vowels is a common feature in Portuguese, especially before nasal consonants.
A nasalização de vogais é uma característica comum no português, especialmente antes de consoantes nasais.
2. In linguistics, the phonological feature or process that adds nasal quality to a segment
French demonstrates nasalization of vowels when they precede nasal consonants.
O francês demonstra nasalização de vogais quando precedem consoantes nasais.
3. The result or product of the nasalization process; a nasalized sound
The nasalization in the word 'mãe' is clearly audible to native speakers.
A nasalização na palavra 'mãe' é claramente audível para falantes nativos.
Nasalization is a critical phonetic feature in Brazilian Portuguese, particularly evident in words with nasal vowels (like 'pão', 'mãe', 'também'). This feature significantly distinguishes Brazilian Portuguese from European Portuguese and is often one of the first phonetic differences learners notice. In American English linguistics education, nasalization is commonly taught as part of phonetics courses and is essential for understanding Romance language phonology.
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