Using academic language in writing

What is Academic Literacy?

According to Green (1999, as cited in Plata et al., 2013), it is a combination of the three types of literacy: operational literacy, cultural literacy and critical literacy. Operational literacy pertains to reading and writing Cultural literacy means using language in a particular discourse and to a particular group of people Critical literacy understanding how knowledge is made and transformed

What is Academic Literacy?

Academic Literacy thus, is: Using academic language in writing Choosing words carefully to suit a particular audience Knowing and understanding the effect of the message on intended readers

Academic Language

Academic language is a combination of two factors. First, it is a type of formal discourse which assumes an absolutely objective tone; it is built into a relatively balanced structure and based on scientific data. And second, it relies on glossary that emerges directly from the discourse of a given science. (Przybyla, 2009, as cited in Plata et al, 2013)

Formal Academic English used in the academe, business, politics/government/law and institutions of higher forms of learning X X X impersonal, objective third person colloquial (use of idioms or idiomatic expressions) contractions (didnt, wont) run on expressions e.g. and so forth, and so on X rhetorical questions X grammar flaws

Why knowledge of academic language is important?

Uses of formal words or academic vocabulary

Reports Proposals Academic writings: essays, reaction papers, analyses, critiques and others Public speeches Presentations in organizational meetings and gatherings requiring some form of formality

Characteristics of Academic Writing

1. Geared toward a particular audience 2. Has a specific purpose 3. Uses an appropriate voice -Direct voice your own or the writer whom you are quoting -Indirect voice usually third person and impersonal 4. Follows conventions in writing 5. Carefully phrased and edited

Samples of formal & informal writing

The analysis didnt yield any results. The analysis yield no results.

There has been a lot of interest in how blogging affects students writing skills. There has been a considerable interest in how blogging affects students writing skills.

 Our country wont improve unless the people become disciplined. Our country will not improve unless the people become disciplined.
We need an LCD projector, computer, smart board, etc. We need an LCD projector, computer, smart board, and other audio-visual equipment. I think the production of manuscript is burdensome. The production of a manuscript necessarily involves planning and time management.

Form of Writing/ Characteristics

Journalistic writing
Mostly to inform

Academic
To inform
Academic Community/ Scholars
Strictly Follows a certain format/ pattern; CREDITS Sources

Creative
To entertain

Purpose

Audience

Varied, depending on purpose

Follows specific format; inverted pyramid

Everybody

Content/ Format Language/ tone

Depends on form; requires imagination

Often formal
(depending on audience)

Formal

Expressive verbose