Vocabulary Flashcards
Formulaic phrases
commonly used expressions that are fixed in form and often non-literal in meaning.They are also known as multiword expressions or prefabricated language.
Examples of formulaic phrases include:
“He’s got his head in the clouds”
“I’ll get back to you later”
“Cat got your tongue?”
“Gosh darn it”
“In this day and age, most people know that you can’t be too careful”
Accuracy
The correct use of the target language in regard to pronunciation, word choice, and grammar.
BICS
(Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills)
This refers to the ability of a language user to interact with others in an informal setting. The language used is more concrete, simple, and imperfect. This is sometimes referred to as the “language of the marketplace” or the “language of the school playground.”
CALP
(Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)
This refers to theabilityof the language user to accomplish tasks in a formal school setting. The language used is more abstract, technical, and complex. Literacy, or the development of reading and writing skills, is essential. This is sometimes referred to as the “language of the classroom.”
CLT
(Communicative Language Teaching)
An approach to language teaching that focuses more on fluency and less on accuracy. In other words, the focus is on becoming more comfortable using the language rather than using the language perfectly. Language learners seek to improve their ability to interact with other language users to accomplish a task or give/receive information. The role of language teachers in CLT is to act as a reassuring guide, rather than a taskmaster. Corrective feedback is not given very often, and when it is given, the teacher does it in a respectful manner.
EAP
(English for Academic Purposes)
This type of English instruction focuses on improving literacy and academic abilities. It aims at preparing language learners for important academic language tests or to do well at an institution of higher learning.
EFL
(English as a Foreign Language)
An individual learning English as a language in addition to their native or mother tongue.
ESL
(English as a Second Language)
When English is taught in a place where English is the predominant or common language.
ESP
(English for Specific Purposes)
English classes that are focused on a specific area such as business English, medical English, diplomatic English, English for air traffic control, etc.
Fluency
Being able to communicate smoothly with a natural flow, without pausing too much or for too long. Fluency also means that your language production isn’t perfect, but you can still interact with others well enough and not have very many misunderstandings.
L1
The first language that is learned.
L2
A second, or additional, language that is learned.
Proficiency
How well someone can use a language accurately. Language proficiency tries to measure what a person can do in a language. Typically, the more words one knows, the more time one spends using a language, and the more time one is surrounded by a language, th
Silent Period
When someone is beginning to learn a language and can comprehend what is spoken or written, but they choose not, or do not yet have the capability, to produce language. This concept comes from watching children learn their first language. Children observe for many months before they try to mimic their caregivers. Similarly, language learners attempt to absorb as much of the target language as they can; yet, for a few weeks or months, they cannot (or choose not to) produce language.
SLA
(Second Language Acquisition)
The process(es) of internalizing a language well enough to use it.
