The spelling of the word "nonmanual" is consistent with English phonetic rules. Nonmanual means "not involving the hands", and is pronounced /nɒnˈmænjʊəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "non-" is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the stress is on the second syllable "-man". The combination of the letters "ua" in the third syllable is pronounced as a long "u" sound. The final two syllables "-al" are pronounced with a schwa sound followed by "l".
Nonmanual is an adjective that describes something that does not involve the use of the hands or physical labor. It refers to activities or tasks that are performed without direct manual manipulation or handling of objects. Nonmanual tasks typically require mental or intellectual effort, rather than physical exertion.
In the context of work or employment, nonmanual jobs are those that primarily involve intellectual or managerial duties, such as office work, administration, planning, or decision-making. These roles usually require extensive use of cognitive skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, or creativity, rather than manual skills.
Nonmanual can also refer to communication methods that do not involve the use of gestures or sign language. For instance, nonmanual communication can involve spoken or written language, facial expressions, tone of voice, or eye contact.
Additionally, in the field of linguistics, nonmanual features refer to aspects of sign language that do not involve manual signs or hand movements but instead rely on various facial expressions, head movements, or body postures to convey meaning.
In summary, nonmanual pertains to activities, jobs, communication methods, or linguistic features that do not involve using the hands or physical labor, emphasizing mental or intellectual effort instead.
The word nonmanual comes from the combination of the prefix non- and the word manual.
The prefix non- is derived from the Latin word non, which means not or without. It is used in English to indicate negation or absence.
The word manual originates from the Latin word manus, meaning hand. It pertains to anything related to or operated by the hands. In English, manual refers to things that are done or operated by hand, as opposed to being automatic or mechanical.
Therefore, nonmanual essentially means not done or operated by hand or not requiring the use of hands.