Languages for native speakers in communication Glossary for IELTS
12 Communication terms
This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to the Languages for native speaker in Communication.
additional language
noun phrase
A learner of English as an additional language (EAL) is a pupil whose first language is other than English.
Example: The table illustrates the number of native speakers of six languages as well as the number of speakers of these languages as an additional language.
almost
adverb
Not quite; very nearly.
Example: However, the number of Arabic speakers as an additional language (24 million) is almost 2.5 times higher than speakers of Portuguese as an additional language.
Chinese
adjective
Relating to China or its language, culture, or people.
Example: It is noticeable that the number of speakers of Mandarin Chinese is strikingly higher than the other languages with over one billion speakers.
equal
adjective
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
Example: While the total number of Hindi speakers (490 million) is roughly equal to that of Spanish speakers (420 million).
largely
adverb
To a great extent; on the whole; mostly.
Example: People who speak Mandarin largely speak it as a first language (900 million).
Mandarin
noun
The standard literary and official form of Chinese, spoken by over 730 million people.
Example: People who speak Mandarin largely speak it as a first language (900 million).
native speaker
noun phrase
A person who learned to speak the language of the place where he or she was born as a child rather than learning it as a foreign language.
Example: The table illustrates the number of native speakers of six languages.
noticeable
adjective
Example: It is noticeable that the number of speakers of Mandarin Chinese is strikingly higher than the other languages with over one billion speakers.
respectively
adverb
Separately or individually and in the order already mentioned (used when enumerating two or more items or facts that refer back to a previous statement).
Example: Native speakers of Arabic and Portuguese are similar in number with 206 million and 203 million respectively.
roughly
adverb
In a manner lacking gentleness; harshly or violently.
Example: While the total number of Hindi speakers (490 million) is roughly equal to that of Spanish speakers (420 million).
similar
adjective
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical.
Example: Native speakers of Arabic and Portuguese are similar in number with 206 million and 203 million respectively.
strikingly
adverb
In a way that attracts attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent.
Example: It is noticeable that the number of speakers of Mandarin Chinese is strikingly higher than the other languages with over one billion speakers.