Question

What role does the soft palate play in speech production?

• A. It directs airflow between nasal and oral cavities
• B. It adjusts the pitch of speech
• C. It vibrates to create voice
• D. It produces consonant friction

Answer 1

Answer:

A. It directs airflow between nasal and oral cavities

The soft palate (velum) controls whether air escapes through the mouth or nose. Lowered velum allows nasal sounds like /m/, /n/; raised velum allows oral sounds​.