How to define "language" in the term "language student"

[yanvolking]

Hi,

In a class this evening we covered the different types of students. One of my students asked if the descriptive word "language" in the term "language student" is an adjective, as, she said, it is a descriptive word.

I think it is actually a noun, but my student's comment has raised some doubt about the subject. Can anyone define this word in this context.

[josef]

Try "noun as adjective":
http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/nouns-adjective.htm