nonrhotic adj
see rhotic
non-specific nativism n
the view that the ability to acquire language depends on innate (biologically
specified) mechanisms, but that these mechanisms are general to all cognition,
not specific to language.
see also innatist hypothesis
nonstandard adj
used of speech or writing which differs in pronunciation, grammar, or
vocabulary from the standard variety of the language. Sometimes the
expression substandard is used but linguists prefer the term nonstandard
as it is a more neutral term.
see also norm, standard variety
non-verbal communication n
communication without the use of words. This could be done, for instance,
by gestures (see paralinguistics) or signs (see sign language).
non-verbal teacher behaviour n
the use of silence, paralinguistic behaviour, gestures, body movement and
other aspects of non-linguistic behaviour used by teachers in teaching. The
study of non-verbal teacher behaviour seeks to determine the effects of such
behaviour on the affective as well as other aspects of classroom life. In lan-
guage teaching, teachers from one cultural background may use non-verbal
behaviours that are different from those in the learners’ home culture, and
this may at times lead to misunderstanding.
nonword n
see pseudoword
norm^1 nnormative adj
that which is considered appropriate in speech or writing for a particular
situation or purpose within a particular group or community.
The norm for an informal situation may be very different from the norm for
a formal one.
For example, in English, a first name (Joe) may be the norm for addressing
people in an informal situation but title and surname (Mr Smith) for a
formal one.
see also standard variety, style
nonrhotic