Final answer:
Most phonemes, with the exception of the nasal sounds m, n, and ing, are produced with the velopharyngeal port closed. This allows for proper pressure and resonance in the oral cavity, which is crucial for the articulation of these sounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the production of phonemes and the state of the velopharyngeal port during this process. The velopharyngeal port is closed for most phonemes except for m, n, and ing, which are known as nasal sounds and are produced with the velopharyngeal port open.
This closure prevents air from escaping through the nose and is crucial for creating the pressure necessary to produce oral sounds effectively.
Detailed information about voice production indicates that when the epiglottis closes during swallowing, it similarly prevents food from entering the airways. This is analogous to the velopharyngeal mechanism, which ensures that the airflow is directed appropriately during speech for the production of non-nasal phonemes.
When producing speech sounds other than m, n, and ing, the raised soft palate closes off the nasal passage, channeling the air through the mouth instead.