Voiced labial–alveolar nasal

Voiced labial–alveolar nasal
n͡m

The voiced labial–alveolar nasal is a type of consonantal sound used in some spoken languages. It is a [n] and [m] pronounced simultaneously. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ⟨n͡m⟩.

Features

Features of the voiced labial–alveolar plosive are:

• Its manner of articulation is occlusive, which means it is produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract. Because the consonant is also nasal, the blocked airflow is redirected through the nose.
• Its place of articulation is labial–alveolar, which means that it is simultaneously articulated with the front part of the tongue against the alveolar ridge and the lips.
• Its phonation is voiced, which means the vocal cords vibrate during the articulation.
• It is a nasal consonant, which means air is allowed to escape through the nose, either exclusively (nasal stops) or in addition to through the mouth.
• It is a central consonant, which means it is produced by directing the airstream along the center of the tongue, rather than to the sides.
• Its airstream mechanism is pulmonic, which means it is articulated by pushing air solely with the intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, as in most sounds.

Occurrence

Language	Word	IPA	Meaning	Notes
Yele	ńmó	[n̪͡mo]	"bird"	Contrasts /m, n̪, n̠, n̠ʲ, ŋ, n̪͡m, n̠͡m, ŋ͡m/.
	nmó	[n̠͡mo]	"we"