Which sound is typically nasalized?

The sound typically nasalized is [m]. This sound is a bilabial nasal, which means it is produced with both lips coming together and allows the airflow to pass through the nasal cavity. This nasal resonance is a defining characteristic of the [m] sound, distinguishing it from other sounds that don't utilize nasal airflow.

Nasalization occurs when the soft palate (velum) lowers, allowing air to escape through the nose, which enhances the acoustic properties of nasal sounds. In contrast, the other sounds listed, such as [b] (a bilabial stop), [t] (an alveolar stop), and [k] (a velar stop), are not inherently nasal. They do not involve nasal airflow during their production, and when pronounced, the velum is raised, preventing any air from escaping through the nose. Thus, [m] stands out as the sound that is typically nasalized due to its phonetic nature and articulatory mechanics.