Longman Dictionary of

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semi-consonant n
see CONSONANT
semi-direct test n
a test that elicits test takers’ spoken language ability by asking them to
respond orally on tape to a set of tape-recorded or text-based cues or
stimuli, not to a set of questions delivered in real time by an interviewer
present at the time of testing. A ratable sample of their oral performance
is tape-recorded and later rated. An example of a semi-direct test is a tapemediated
SIMULATED ORAL PROFICIENCY INTERVIEW.
see also DIRECT TEST, INDIRECT TEST
semilingual adj semilingualism n
a term sometimes used for people who have acquired several languages at
different periods of their lives, but who have not developed a nativespeaker
level of proficiency in any of them. This issue is regarded as controversial
by many linguists.
semiotic systems n
see SEMIOTICS
semiotics n semiotic adj
1the theory of SIGNS
2 the analysis of systems using signs or signals for the purpose of communication
(semiotic systems). The most important semiotic system is
human language, but there are other systems, e.g. Morse code, SIGN
LANGUAGE, traffic signals
semi-vowel n
a speech sound (a CONSONANT) which is produced by allowing the
airstream from the lungs to move through the mouth and/or nose with
only very slight friction. For example, in English the /j/ in /jes/ yes is a
semi-vowel.
In terms of their articulation, semi-vowels are very like vowels, but they
function as consonants in the sound system of a language.
see also CONSONANT
sender n
see COMMUNICATION
sense
sense n
the place which a word or phrase (a LEXEME) holds in the system of
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