Describing something that does not conform to or utilize idiomatic expressions, phrases, or linguistic patterns characteristic of a particular language or dialect. It signifies a direct, literal, or unconventional use of language, potentially leading to awkwardness or misunderstanding for native speakers accustomed to idiomatic speech. This can pertain to writing style, translations, or even the way someone constructs their sentences in a second language. Its impact lies in the way language is consumed and understood.
Nonidiomatic meaning with examples
- The translator provided a Nonidiomatic rendering of the poem, sticking closely to the literal meanings of each word. While accurate, the resulting English lacked the poetic flow and emotional impact of the original. Readers struggled to fully grasp the nuanced message, highlighting the importance of capturing not just meaning but also the spirit of the source language.
- Her second language speech, though grammatically correct, was often nonidiomatic. She would translate phrases directly from her native tongue, leading to unusual word order and unnatural sentence construction that sometimes confused native English speakers. Understanding the idiomatic differences is the key to communicating more naturally.
- The software documentation, created by a team with varying levels of English proficiency, sometimes employed Nonidiomatic phrases. This made the instructions difficult to follow, even though each individual sentence was logically sound. Revising the text to use common idioms would drastically improve its clarity and usability for the target audience.
- The author's deliberately Nonidiomatic prose style created a unique and unsettling effect in his novel. By avoiding familiar turns of phrase and crafting sentences with unexpected structures, he forced readers to focus on the raw details and reconsider their assumptions about the characters' experiences.