Influence of Native Language on Nasalance Measurement

Abstract

‘Nasalance’ is influenced by many parameters such as age, dialect, native language and gender. Measurement of nasalance is usually done for standard passages such as Zoo passage, Rainbow passage and standard oral and nasal speech stimuli. However, the normative data of native English speakers for the same cannot be considered, as native language influence may play a significant role. Hence, the present study aimed at investigating the influence of three native languages (Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi) on nasalance values for standard Zoo passage, and compared the same with established data. The mean nasalance values were obtained from thirty normal adult females (17-35 years) each, having native language as Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi, while they read the Zoo passage, using Nasometer II 6400. Results indicated higher nasalance scores in Hindi and Malayalam speakers. The mean nasalance score for native Kannada speakers was found to be significantly lower than that in other two languages. Comparison of the results with the standard norms provided for English speaking individuals revealed similar mean nasalance values for native Kannada speakers. However, nasalance scores of native Malayalam and Hindi speakers were found to be significantly higher. These differences can be explained based on the phonemic characteristics of these languages. These inherent features of the language are also reflected in reading English. The results indicate that mean nasometric values obtained for a specific linguistic group may not be valid with other language speakers, even though they speak the same language. Thus, the results highlight native language as a factor influencing nasalance of normal reading. It is essential that for establishing normative data for Nasometer, issues pertaining to native language and dialect need to be considered.