apostrophe s n
the ending ’swhich is added to nouns in English to indicate possession. For
example:
Michael’sson
The director’scar.
applied linguistics n
1 the study of second and foreign language learning and teaching.
2 the study of language and linguistics in relation to practical problems,
such as lexicography,translation,speech pathology, etc. Applied
linguistics uses information from sociology, psychology, anthropology,
and information theory as well as from linguistics in order to develop
its own theoretical models of language and language use, and then uses
this information and theory in practical areas such as syllabus design,
speech therapy,language planning,stylistics, etc.
applied research n
research designed to produce practical applications, contrasted with basic
research, i.e. research that is designed to generate knowledge or validate
theories that may not have any direct application. action research is a
form of applied research. Second language acquisition is considered a type
of applied research by some and basic research by others.
apposition nappositive n, adj
When two words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence have the same refer-
ence, they are said to be in apposition. For example, in the sentence:
My sister, Helen Wilson, will travel with me.
My sisterand Helen Wilsonrefer to the same person, and are called
appositives.
The sentence can be rewritten with either of the two appositives missing,
and still make sense:
My sister will travel with me.
Helen Wilson will travel with me.
appraisal system n
1 in language teaching, procedures that an institution, school or organization
has in place to provide for regular review and assessment of teachers’
performance. Appraisal may include appraisal by a supervisor, by a
colleague, by students, or self-appraisal.
2 in neurolinguistics, a brain-system that evaluates stimuli (such as
a target language) in terms of such criteria as novelty, relevance, coping
ability, and self- and social-image.
appraisal system