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ngongo

ngóngò with stress marks

a person with speech problems (e.g., cleft palate)

adjective NGON-go Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Ngongo originally described the nasalized or unclear speech caused by a cleft palate or similar oral condition, and by extension a person with such a condition. In modern usage it can also describe anyone who speaks in a muffled or nasal way. Care should be taken as the term can be considered insensitive when used dismissively.

Examples

Beginner

" Medyo ngongo ang bata. "

Natural Translation

The child is somewhat speech-impaired.

Literal Translation

Somewhat speech-impaired the child.

Intermediate

" Kahit ngongo siya, malinaw ang kanyang mensahe. "

Natural Translation

Even though he/she has a speech problem, his/her message is clear.

Literal Translation

Even-though speech-impaired he/she, clear the his/her message.

Advanced

" Kahit pa ngongo siya noong bata, hindi nito napigilan ang kanyang pangarap na maging guro na malinaw magturo sa mga mag-aaral. "

Natural Translation

Even though he had a speech problem as a child, it did not stop his dream of becoming a teacher who teaches clearly to students.

Literal Translation

Even still speech-impaired he when child, not by-it stopped the his dream that to-become teacher that clear to-teach to students.

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