Longman Dictionary of

PE2379 ch07.qxd 24/1/02 16:08 Page 581
vocative
practice of using a limited vocabulary based on a WORD LIST or other
source. GRADED READERs are often written using vocabulary control.
vocal cords n
the folds of tough, flexible tissue in the LARYNX extending from back to
front. The space between the vocal cords is the glottis. When the vocal
cords are pressed together, the air from the lungs is completely sealed off.
During speech, the vocal cords open and close the air passage from the
lungs to the mouth.
In the production of vowels and voiced consonants (see VOICE 2 ) the vocal
cords vibrate.
glottis vocal cords
wide open for breathing loosely together and vibrating
as for a voiced sound
see also PITCH, PLACE OF ARTICULATION
vocal tract n
(in phonetics) the air passages which are above the VOCAL CORDS and
which are involved in the production of speech sounds.
The vocal tract can be divided into the nasal cavity, which is the air passage
within and behind the nose, and the oral cavity, which is the air passage
within the mouth and the throat.
The shape of the vocal tract can be changed, e.g. by changing the position
of the tongue or the lips. Changes in the shape of the vocal tract cause differences
in speech sounds.
vocational English n
also vocational ESL, VESL
English taught for use in a particular job or occupation.
see also LANGUAGE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES
vocative n
a NOUN PHRASE 1 which is an optional part of a sentence, and which names
or indicates one being addressed.
For example:
Really dear, do you think so?
That’s a pretty dress, Mrs Johnson.
581