non-linear morphology n
in morphology, a theoretical framework in which the morphemes that
make up a derived word are each represented at an autonomous level of re-
presentation called a tier. This framework has been shown to be especially
useful in accounting for the intricate, non-linear morphology of Arabic.
see also autosegmental phonology, metrical phonology
non-literate n
a culture or group which has no written language, i.e. which possesses an
oral culture.
non-native speakern
also NNS
a language user for whom a language is not their first language. The
language use of non-native speakers has been a focus of attention to
determine such things as the effects of non-native accents on intelligibility,
attitudes towards NNS accents, and the role of NNS accents as a marker of
the speaker’s identity.
non-parametric tests n
a group of statistical procedures that do not make the strong distributional
assumptions associated with parametric tests (e.g. that the data are
normally distributed) and are used to analyze data measured on a nominal
or ordinal scale. Examples of non-parametric tests include chi-square
and Spearman rank-order correlation.
non-past n, adj
a term sometimes used for the present tense form of a verb in languages
such as English. It emphasizes that this verb form is generally used to
describe time periods other than the past, but not necessarily the present.
For example:
I leavetomorrow. (future reference)
The sun risesin the east. (general truth)
non-pro-drop language n
see pro-drop parameter
non-punctual adj
see punctual-non-punctual distinction
non-restrictive relative clause n
another term fornon-defining relative clause
see defining relative clause
non-restrictive relative clause