Glossary of terms
This glossary provides definitions for terms as they are used in Lingu@net Europa. It is not intended to be comprehensive, the words included are those for which users have requested definitions.
- Advanced
- The word advanced refers to levels C1 and C2 as defined in the Global Scale grid of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You should take into account that sometimes learning materials are based on different definitions of an advanced learner.
- Authentic materials
- Resources in the target language which could be used for language learning and teaching although they were not originally designed for this purpose, e.g.: newspapers; on-line weather forecasts; timetables; guides to museums or galleries. Remember that you need not understand every word to gain a lot of information!
- Beginner
- The word beginner refers to levels A1 and A2 as defined in the Global Scale grid of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You should take into account that sometimes learning materials are based on different definitions of a beginner.
- Intermediate
- The word intermediate refers to levels B1 and B2 as defined in the Global Scale grid of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You should take into account that sometimes learning materials are based on different definitions of an intermediate learner.
- Keywords
- The most important terms or phrases.
- Kinesthetic
- Learners prefer different styles in learning languages. A kinesthetic learner is one who prefers to learn by physically moving and actively participating (also called a hands-on-learner).
- Level
- Knowing a language ranges from recognizing a few words to competently and effectively communicating in a variety of demanding situations. This path can be divided into steps called levels, such as beginner, intermediate and advanced.
- Moo
- A MOO (Multi-User-Domain Object Oriented) can be described as a type of on-line computer game where users can build their own environment and communicate with other 'players'. There are MOOs designed specifically for language learning."
- Noun
- A word which refers to a thing, person, or idea, e.g. car, daughter, friendship."
- Prefix
- A part that can be added to the beginning of a word to make it into a new word, for example un or re as in undo or rewrite .
- Reliable
- A reliable language test or other assessment tool produces the same results in the same group if the test is repeated, regardless of who is marking the test. A test can never be perfectly reliable but good tests strive for high reliability.
- Role play
- A learning activity in which you assume a role to practise a variety of language skills.
- Skill
- Knowing a language consists of several areas, such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. These are called skills. Knowledge of grammar and vocabulary can also be practised separately and often appear on lists of skills, even if they are incorporated in the other skills. Pronunciation and spelling can also be seen as separate skills within the areas of speaking and writing. Sociocultural and functional skills refer to the ability to use a language in a culturally and socially appropriate way.
- Source language
-
Source language is the language in which the learning
material or resource is presented. It is easier to use
resources with a source language you already know. For
example:
- A resource for learning Finnish, intended for speakers of German, explaining grammar and vocabulary in German: Finnish = target language, German = source language.
- An English to Spanish dictionary: English = source language, Spanish = target language.
- A research article in Dutch on teaching French to young learners: Dutch = source language, French = target language.
- Synonym
- A word which means (more or less) the same as another word, for instance big = large.
- Tandem Learning
- Two people learn each other's languages by meeting regularly, in person or via e-mail, chat or telephone etc. Half the time they use one language, half the time the other.
- Target language
-
Target language is the language which you want to learn or
into which you are translating. In addition, in the context
of Lingu@net Europa, target language is the language the
resource is designed to teach or to which the resource
refers. For example:
- A resource for learning Finnish, intended for speakers of German, explaining grammar and vocabulary in German: Finnish = target language, German = source language.
- An English to Spanish dictionary: English = source language, Spanish = target language.
- A research article in Dutch on teaching French to young learners: Dutch = source language, French = target language.
- Valid
- A valid language test or other assessment tool measures what it promises to measure. A test can never be perfectly valid but good tests strive for high validity.
- Verb
- A word which refers to an action or event, e.g. run , learn , dream .
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