NLP → NLP Lexicon

Nominalization (Nominalization)

Definition

Nominalization refers to the linguistic process by which a dynamic action (verb or process) is transformed into a noun that suggests a static entity. In the context of NLP, a nominalization describes the conversion of a process or behavior into a linguistic form that appears like a "thing." This presents a flowing process as something static. Classic example: From the action "to love someone" comes "love." While "to love" is an active process, "love" linguistically appears as an object. NLP considers nominalizations as a distortion of reality, as they suggest to people that processes are immobile, completed, or "ownable."

Origin and Theoretical Background

Nominalizations are a central theme in Meta-Model of Language, developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s. The Meta-Model identifies linguistic patterns through which people distort, delete, or generalize their experience. The idea is based on Noam Chomsky's transformational grammar, which distinguishes language into surface and deep structure. In the deep structure, for example, a process is contained ("someone acts"), which is obscured in the surface structure by a nominalization ("the behavior"). Thus, nominalizations can influence thinking – a central assumption of NLP.

Application Examples

• Therapy: Client says "Our relationship is broken." – Therapist asks: "What exactly is happening in your relationship?"
• Coaching: Coachee explains "I am experiencing a lot of frustration." – Question: "What exactly are you doing or what is happening when you feel frustrated?"
• Supervision: "There is a great uncertainty in the project." – NLP trainer asks: "What exactly is happening that you describe as uncertainty?"

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Resolution of fixating language patterns
• Coaching: Promotion of process-oriented thinking
• Leadership Training: Clearer communication, less depersonalization
• Personal Development: Reflection of one's own language
• Conflict resolution: Deconstruction of static attributions

Methods and Exercises

1. Identification: Recognizing nominalization ("trust," "problems," "failure").
2. Deconstruction: Ask questions like "Who does what?" or "What exactly is happening?"
3. Establishing process: Transforming into verb or action. Example: "fear" → "I think of something and feel physical tension."
4. Exercise: "Nominalization hunt" – de-nominalize terms and transform them into observable actions.

Related terms

• Deletion (Meta-Model)
• Distortion
• Generalization
• Reification (objectification)

Distinction: Not every nominalization is a nominalization in the NLP sense – what matters is whether a process is presented as a static object.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Practically:
  • Increases linguistic awareness
  • Promotes more precise communication and cognitive flexibility
  • Supports untangling blocking ideas
• Scientifically:
  • Similarities to cognitive linguistics: language structures thought
  • Parallels to systemic therapy, conversation therapy, metaphor work

Criticism or Limitations

• NLP's criticism of nominalizations is itself a linguistic model and not "objective."
• Nominalizations are often practical and economical in everyday language.
• Constant questioning can unsettle communication partners.
• Not every nominalization needs to be "resolved" – metaphorical language can also be helpful.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The Structure of Magic I. Science and Behavior Books.
• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). Reframing. Real People Press.
• Jochims, I. (1995). Language as a magical tool. Junfermann.
• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLPMeta Publications.
• Chomsky, N. (1965). Aspects of the theory of syntax. MIT Press.

Metaphor

A nominalization is like freezing a river: What was once flowing is suddenly declared a solid block – immobile and hard. NLP aims to melt the ice and bring the river back to flow.

See also