movement rulen
in syntax, a rule that plays a role in deriving a surface structure by the
reordering of constituents. For example, in the question What did you see?,
whatis assumed to be generated initially in the direct object position and
then moved to initial position.
see also d-structure, lf, s-structure
MTMM methodn
an abbreviation for multi-trait multi-method method
MUD n
in computer assisted language learning, an acronym for multi-user
domain. A text-based computer environment where language learners can
communicate in real time and perform a variety of simulations via the
Internet. In many instances, replaced by the advent of MOOs.
multicultural educationn
see cultural pluralism
multidimensional modeln
in general, any model of development or learning in which development
proceeds along two or more dimensions rather than a single one. Manfred
Pienemann has proposed a multidimensional model of second language
acquisitionin which some linguistic features are acquired according to a
natural order defined by psycholinguistic processing constraints, while others
depend more on whether a learner orientates more towards correctness and
prescriptive norms or towards fluency.
multilingualn,adj
a person who knows and uses three or more languages. Usually, a multilingual
does not know all the languages equally well. For example, he or she may:
aspeak and understand one language best
bbe able to write in only one
c use each language in different types of situation (domains), e.g. one
language at home, one at work, and one for shopping
duse each language for different communicative purposes, e.g. one
language for talking about science, one for religious purposes, and one
for talking about personal feelings.
see also bilingual, multilingualism
multilingualismn
the use of three or more languages by an individual (see multilingual) or
by a group of speakers such as the inhabitants of a particular region or a
multilingualism