idiomnidiomaticadj
an expression which functions as a single unit and whose meaning cannot
be worked out from its separate parts.
For example:
She washed her hands of the matter.
means
“She refused to have anything more to do with the matter”.
idiomaticadj, idiomaticityn
the degree to which speech is not simply grammatical but also native-like in
use. For example, “It pleases me that Harry was able to be brought by you”
(said by a host/hostess to a guest at a party) is grammatical but not native-
like or idiomatic, whereas “I’m so glad you could bring Harry” is both
grammatical and idiomatic.
IDLTMn
an abbreviation for International Diploma in English Language Teaching
Management (UCLES).
IELTSn
see international english language testing system
IEPn
an abbreviation for intensive english programme
I-languagen
also internalized language
language viewed as an internal property of the human mind or a computa-
tional system in the human brain. Linguists who subscribe to this view
attempt to construct grammars showing how the mind structures language
and what universal principles are involved (see universal grammar,
generative theory).
I-language can be contrasted with E-language (externalized language),
language viewed as a collection of texts or a social phenomenon.
illiteracyn
see literacy
illocutionary actn
see locutionary act
illocutionary forcen
see speech act, locutionary act, performative
idiom