Moreover, many native English speakers pronounce the Māori word ‘ngai’ as just ‘nai’, but that initial sound should move the tongue way back, tip down so it’s like the sound many make in the word ‘singing’ (not those who make a clear ‘g’ sound). Some sounds are hard to move.

/ŋ/ right? The aspect of pronunciation that amazes me is connected to how your natural enviornment affects pronunciation. For example, certain vowel sounds are more common in high altitude areas.

@ChrisJWilson It makes sense to me that the environment could affect how you shape and move your lips and mouth and tongue. That would affect the kinds of sounds that you make.