Nonstandardness

Nonstandardness refers to the quality or state of not conforming to a prevailing standard, norm, or convention within a given domain. It is commonly used to describe deviations from a codified standard in language but can also apply to other systems, practices, or methodologies. The term implies a contrast with established norms rather than a simple judgment of right or wrong.

In linguistics, nonstandardness designates language varieties, spellings, or usages that lie outside the standard dialect or the norms taught in formal education. Nonstandard forms can be systematic and rule-governed, arising from regional, social, or functional variation. Researchers distinguish between nonstandard features and errors, emphasizing descriptive analysis of how speakers use language in real contexts and how these varieties reflect identity, community, and social meaning.

Social and educational implications are central to discussions of nonstandardness. Attitudes toward nonstandard forms influence literacy practices, assessment, and language policy. Some approaches seek to preserve and recognize nonstandard varieties as part of linguistic diversity, while others focus on promoting standard forms for continuity in education and professional domains. The debate often touches on issues of power, prestige, and access to opportunities, as standard language norms can advantage speakers of the standard variety.

In other fields, the term is less common. In mathematics or logic, nonstandard elements may appear in certain theories (for example, nonstandard analysis), but the adjective nonstandard is more typical than the noun nonstandardness in those contexts.