The polymorphism of Spanish nasal stops

Abstract

This chapter proposes to capitalize on the variability of nasal stops to foster fluency. After describing their common and individual articulatory properties, it motivates the phonological status of /m/, /n/, and /ɲ/, and demonstrates that they are functionally asymmetrical. The loss of distinctiveness in the syllabic coda and the propensity to assimilate to a following consonant are subsequently introduced to show that there is no need to exert active control over the place of articulation in coda position. The opportunity to exploit this phenomenon for the sake of fluency crystallizes at the level of the intonational phrase. Pronunciation exercises where this prosodic unit serves as the carrier of segmental strings promote fluency by discouraging internal pausing. The chapter concludes by summarizing the recommended approach to characterizing nasal stops and incorporating them into the teaching of Spanish pronunciation.