nonnativ

Nonnativ is a term used in linguistics to describe a speaker who is not a native speaker of a particular language. This means that the language in question was not acquired as their first language during childhood. Nonnative speakers often learn a language later in life, through formal education, immersion, or other means.

The proficiency of nonnative speakers can vary greatly, ranging from basic conversational skills to fluency that is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. Factors influencing proficiency include the age of acquisition, the quality and intensity of instruction, motivation, and exposure to the language. Nonnative speakers may exhibit certain linguistic features that differ from those of native speakers, such as variations in accent, grammar, or vocabulary usage. These differences are often a natural result of the language learning process and do not necessarily indicate a lack of competence.

The study of nonnative speakers and their language use is an important area within linguistics, contributing to our understanding of language acquisition, language variation, and the complexities of multilingualism. It is increasingly recognized that nonnative speakers play a significant role in the evolution and spread of languages globally.