Key Linguistics Concepts and Terminology Explained

Conversation Analysis

An approach to the study of social interaction, embracing both verbal and non-verbal conduct, in situations of everyday life.

Contrastive Linguistics

A branch of comparative linguistics concerned with pairs of languages that are ‘socio-culturally linked’. These languages are often used by a considerable number of bi- or multilingual speakers, and/or a substantial amount of ‘linguistic output’ (text, discourse) is translated between them.

Language Assessment

A field of study

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Characteristics of Scientific, Legal & Humanistic Texts

Scientific Texts

Communicative Characteristics

  • Target: The primary communicative purpose is the transmission of knowledge.
  • Communicative Situation: Determines the language used and discursive features.
  • Transmitters and Receivers: Issuers are typically specialists knowledgeable about the subject matter. Receivers can be specialists or the general public.
  • Theme: Limited to a specific field of expertise, such as chemistry.
  • Code: Consists of general language combined with a specialized subcode featuring specific
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Understanding Language Acquisition in Early Childhood

When Does Language Acquisition Start?

When children are 2 months old.

Learning How to Point: Importance for Communication Development

Gestures and eye contact are crucial for expressing desires and interests.

Can a Child Learn Their First Language from TV?

Yes, children can learn from TV, but not as effectively as through interaction.

What Kind of Words Do Children Learn First in Language Acquisition?

The first words are often “mom” or “dad.” Learning is gradual, with children acquiring 1 to 2 words per

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Integrating Language Skills: Content, Tasks, and Themes

Integrating Language Skills in Curriculum Design

Segregation vs. Integration

Segregation:

  • Focus on language forms predisposes curriculum designers to segment courses into separate language skills.
  • Administrative considerations often make it easier to program separate courses.
  • Specific purposes for which students are studying English may be best labeled by one of the four skills, especially at the high intermediate to advanced levels.

Integration:

  • Production and reception are two sides of the same coin.
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Understanding Language Varieties: Cultural and Social Influences

Item 6. The Cultural Varieties and Records, Classes, and Types

For communication to occur successfully, the speakers of a language must know the common code of that language and use it properly.

In practice, we can see a number of factors (geographical, cultural, or situational) that contribute to the diversity seen in the use of a language. These factors are:

  • Location: The particularities in the use of a language result in different dialects. Example: Castilian (Murcia, Extremadura, Andalusia, and
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Crafting English Curriculum: Material Selection & Student Input

Unit 23: English Speaking Language Curriculum Materials

UNIT 23: Elaboration of English Speaking Language curriculum materials. Criteria for selecting and using course books. Authentic and adapted documents: limitations of use. Students input in material design. The present essay aims to study the production of English lessons curricular material. In order to do so, the first part of the essay will examine the profile of the students. Secondly, I will concentrate on the production of English lessons

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