What is the primary role of the velum in speech?

The primary role of the velum, which is a structure located at the back of the roof of the mouth, is to regulate airflow between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity during speech. It accomplishes this by raising or lowering to open or close the passage to the nasal cavity. When the velum is raised, it blocks the airflow to the nasal cavity, allowing sound to resonate primarily in the oral cavity, which is crucial for producing oral sounds such as most consonants and vowels. Conversely, when the velum is lowered, it permits air to flow through the nasal cavity, which is necessary for producing nasal sounds like “m,” “n,” and “ng.” This dual capability allows for a variety of sound productions essential for effective speech communication. Understanding this function is vital, especially when working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it impacts speech clarity and articulation.