Take the following short narrative:. However, use also takes into consideration phrases or certain structures that might appear more conversational, others more formal, and yet even more than a few used only in very specific industries or situations. Vocabulary follows the same concept, as some words are more often used in writing. Others are more often used in speaking. And many words have specific uses and appear in written communication like academic essays or business correspondence.
Students must understand these points for effective vocabulary use, especially at the higher-levels when they acquire words with less concrete meanings. In addition, students must also realize what words or types of words are commonly associated with the vocabulary.
Of course, if the teacher tried to cover form, meaning, and use in every lesson, ensuring that students know all the ins and outs of a grammar structure or word, then not much would get done. What's more, the class would likely be quite boring. Consider the following ideas for effectively covering form, meaning, and use in the classroom:. A simple comment that the past tense refers to events in the past serves as an adequate explanation. The same holds true of a few comments on the past perfect, or any other structure.
A visual diagram and several examples also further highlight the target language. There may be several exceptions to the rule.
There may be times when the language isn't used for some situation or with some medium. Yet this is all extraneous information. The teacher wants to provide just enough explanation for the students to practice the language correctly and purposefully. This allows the teacher to address and practice the rules and exceptions, yet not overwhelm the class with too much information.
The teacher should provide several opportunities to acquire the target language during a course of study. Just because students have studied the target material once doesn't mean they can use it well. Do you know the person or title these quotes describe? Definition of language. Synonyms for language Synonyms lingo , mother tongue , speech , tongue , vocabulary Visit the Thesaurus for More.
Examples of language in a Sentence How many languages do you speak? French is her first language. The book has been translated into several languages. He's learning English as a second language. He is always careful in his use of language.
First Known Use of language 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a. History and Etymology for language Middle English, from Anglo-French langage , from lange, langue tongue, language, from Latin lingua — more at tongue. Learn More about language.
Resources for language Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared. From the Editors at Merriam-Webster. How Is a Klingon like a 12th-century How Is a Klingon like a 12th-century nun? The surprising history of 'conlang'.
Failed Attempts to Reform English Also causticness. Also called newspaperese. Also called academese. Pentagonese language typical of the Pentagon or the U. Varietyese language typical of the entertainment journal Variety, characterized by a staccato, idiomatic, and neologistic style, with much use of abbreviation. Wall Streetese language typical of that used on Wall Street and in the financial markets, characterized by use of technical financial terms and arcane stock-market jargon.
Washingtonese federalese. Also called sensationalism.
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