non-native-speaker
Acquired the tongue
A non-native speaker is someone who learned a language after childhood rather than acquiring it from birth.
The term typically appears in language-learning contexts: The course is designed for non-native speakers of English.
It implies functional competence without the intuitive fluency of those raised in the language.
State of being submerged
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- vocabularyOne's word collection
- grammarLanguage's structural rules
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
practice · fluency · syntax · idioms · listening · reading · writing · tutoring
Manner of speaking words
- intonationPitch variation in speech
- fluencySmooth linguistic command
- articulationClear vocal expression
- prosodyStudy of verse rhythm
stress · rhythm · inflection · cadence · phonetics · mispronunciation · intelligibility
Failure to grasp meaning
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- paraphrasingRestating in new words
- circumlocutionIndirect, wordy expression
- gesturesExpressive body movements
body-language · simplification · rephrasing · patience · miscommunication · slang · colloquialisms · register
Absorbing into a whole
- integrationCombining into a whole
- acculturationAdopting another group's customs
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- homesicknessLonging for one's dwelling
code-switching · identity · belonging · expatriate · immigrant · diaspora · bicultural · navigating
Speaking two languages
- multilingualKnowing multiple languages
- polyglotOne knowing many languages
- mother-tongueLanguage acquired from birth
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
immersion
State of being submerged
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- vocabularyOne's word collection
- grammarLanguage's structural rules
comprehension · practice · fluency · syntax · idioms · listening · reading · writing · tutoring · exercises
pronunciation
Manner of speaking words
- intonationPitch variation in speech
- fluencySmooth linguistic command
- articulationClear vocal expression
prosody · stress · rhythm · inflection · cadence · phonetics · mispronunciation · intelligibility
misunderstanding
Failure to grasp meaning
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- paraphrasingRestating in new words
- circumlocutionIndirect, wordy expression
gestures · body-language · simplification · rephrasing · patience · miscommunication · slang · colloquialisms · register · formality
assimilation
Absorbing into a whole
- integrationCombining into a whole
- acculturationAdopting another group's customs
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
homesickness · code-switching · identity · belonging · expatriate · immigrant · diaspora · bicultural · navigating · coping
bilingual
Speaking two languages
- multilingualKnowing multiple languages
- polyglotOne knowing many languages
- mother-tongueLanguage acquired from birth