record_voice_over Alphabet and tones
Nasal vowels in Fon
In fɔ̀ngbè there are 7 oral vowels and 5 nasal vowels. The nasal ones are marked by an “n” after the vowel and give the language its distinctive sound.
The 5 nasal vowels
How to pronounce them
A nasal vowel is pronounced by letting air pass through the nose and the mouth at the same time. The written “n” is not pronounced separately — it only shows that the preceding vowel is nasalized.
Verified examples:
Don’t confuse them with consonants
Nasal vowel ≠ vowel + consonant n
In sùn (water), the “n” nasalizes the “u” — there is only one syllable. On the other hand, in sun-ví (star), the final “n” belongs to the first syllable. Your ear gets used to it with practice.
A unique musicality
Nasal vowels give fɔ̀ngbè its characteristic sound, soft and melodious. Mastering them is essential to be understood by native speakers.
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- Getting started in Fon: the 4-step method — tones, first words, resources
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test