The perception that French sounds muffled or "nasal" to some ears can be attributed to several linguistic and phonetic features of the French language. These characteristics contribute to the distinct pronunciation and overall sound of the language. Here are a few factors that may contribute to the perception of French as sounding muffled:
Nasal Vowels: French has a set of nasal vowels (such as /ã/, /ɛ̃/, /ɔ̃/) that are produced by allowing air to flow through the nose while articulating the vowel sounds. This nasal resonance can give the impression of a "muffled" quality in comparison to languages that lack nasal vowels.
Articulation Differences: The French language employs specific articulation techniques that can differ from other languages. For instance, the French tend to use a more relaxed tongue position and a more forward placement of articulation, which can affect the clarity and perceived sharpness of certain sounds.
Liaison and Elision: French has various liaison and elision rules that affect the pronunciation of words in connected speech. Liaison involves linking the final consonant of a word with the following vowel sound, while elision involves omitting certain vowel sounds in specific contexts. These processes can contribute to a blending of sounds, potentially creating a muffled impression.
Silent Consonants: French is known for having many silent consonants at the ends of words or within word clusters. These silent consonants can make certain parts of words less audible, contributing to the perception of a muffled sound.
It's important to note that the perception of a language sounding muffled can be subjective and influenced by individual listening experiences and linguistic backgrounds. Different languages have their own distinct sound qualities, and what may sound muffled to one person may sound normal or even pleasant to another.