I don't think Padma is correct. In the first four sets of four letters,
neither the first nor third letter is aspirated; only the second one is. The
difference between the first and third is pitch:
1st letter: high and short
2nd letter: medium and aspirated
3rd letter: lower and longer
4th letter: "normal" as in english, but closer to the 3rd letter than the
1st

"Nga" (4th letter) is often difficult for us since that sound is uncommon in
english. Try saying the word "sing" a few times and notice where your
tongue ends up. Then try it leaving off the "si." Finally, add AH on the end
and
you'll get it.

Ani Trinlay




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]