Each discipline has its own specialised vocabulary or jargon and it's easy
to feel like you have to learn a new language when starting to study in a
new discipline. It's essential that you become familiar with the language
of your discipline and use it appropriately.
In your writing:
DO
- Use the correct jargon to demonstrate
your understanding of the discipline.
- Use the jargon in the appropriate place
to enhance your writing.
- Use the jargon because it has become
second nature to you.
DON'T
- Use jargon excessively in an attempt
to appear scholarly.
- Use jargon and obscure the meaning of
the writing.
- Use jargon to hide your lack of understanding
of the discipline.
Your understanding of the jargon will increase as you read the set texts and
journal articles, communicate with your lecturer and other students and when you attend residential schools. That is, as you become immersed
in the new discipline you will absorb the new terms and they will become
a part of your overall vocabulary. When writing, aim to write in such a way
that readers, not necessarily experts in the discipline, will be able to
understand what you have written.
Remember
Good writing can be read, understood and enjoyed by many people.
Useful
links in this kit
Scientific abbreviations
