Studying Academic Subjects in English – 3 Differences, and How to Manage Them
English can be a challenge to learn and use in general, and using the language in an academic context can be even more daunting! Academic register tends to be much more formal and indirect than everyday English, and it utilises more uncommon, niche, vocabulary.
The jump between general and academic English can cause confusion and frustration among learners (especially those taking an exam like the IELTS!), but by identifying the major differences between the two registers, it becomes much easier to follow.
What is Academic English?
Academic English is simply the register, or style of English, which is used in academic contexts. While general English is used in everyday situations, you’ll usually (but not always) find academic English in school or university.
This can be in a university lecture, when writing an email to a professor, at a conference of experts in a field, or when writing an academic essay or article. It’s still English, just in a different style!
What are 3 major differences between academic and general English?
1. Formality:
Academic English is much more formal and indirect than the English we use every day. You usually wouldn’t ask your lecturer or tutor “hey, when’s our assignment due again?? I forgot!” in an email!
Instead, you’d use a longer, more complex form, such as “Good afternoon. I am emailing to inquire about the deadline for the current assignment for your class. Thank you.”
This is very long-winded, but the formal nature of academic English demands a lot of “extra” language, similar to professional English.
This isn’t quite as prevalent in spoken academic English, but it’s still very formal.
2. Grammar:
As mentioned above, academic English tends to be indirect and complex. The most obvious change in grammar between the two registers is the use of the passive voice, which is extremely common in academic writing.
While the active voice is still used in academic writing, the passive becomes the more commonly used style, as it’s regarded as more formal and professional. Referring back to previously mentioned ideas or subjects is also more common in academic writing, and so the passive becomes necessary to avoid repeating ourselves.
Thus, instead of writing “The local government funded and built the dam over five years,” you’d be more likely to write something like “The dam, built over five years, was funded entirely by the local government.”
3. Vocabulary:
Think about the last time you spoke to someone about a topic they were
extremely interested in. They likely used a lot of unfamiliar vocabulary, and
you might have struggled to follow their explanations.
Academics and other specialists are notorious for using jargon words, which are words that are very rarely seen in general English and have extremely specific meanings. These words can be so rare that sometimes most native speakers don’t know them!
Alongside jargon, academics generally lean towards using advanced
forms of vocabulary when speaking or writing, sometimes even when there’s a much simpler synonym available. For example, instead of ask you’ll likely see inquire in an academic context. This is, again, connected to the formal nature of academic English.
So, what can I do to make learning academic English easier?
1. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Academic English, like English in general, requires practice and exposure. Reading academic articles or books or listening to lectures is your best bet for becoming more familiar with the style of language required in academic contexts. The more you are exposed and immersed in the style, the more familiar it will become.
If you’re able to, write about a topic you’re interested in using an academic register. Actually, using the language will further support your exposure as you put what you’ve listened to and read into use.
2. Become familiar with the passive voice and write longer sentences:
The passive voice is vital for academic English. As mentioned above, we tend to refer back to ideas and concepts more often in academic writing, and so we use the passive to avoid repeating the same words and phrases again and again.
Becoming proficient in using the passive voice will improve your academic writing massively.
Get used to writing longer, more complex sentences as well! Academic English can be very long-winded and difficult to read because of this, but it’s a core part of the style.
3. Focus on your field’s vocabulary:
It’s impossible to learn every piece of jargon for every field. While some words tend to be used across different fields, academia has a habit of making new words for very, very specific things.
The best way to save yourself from a headache is to focus on the jargon you see most often in your field. As you expose yourself to more academic material, the jargon will become easier to follow.
4. Don’t panic!
Academic English can be overwhelming! Even native speakers can find the register difficult to follow. Take things slow, have a dictionary ready, and keep practising.
If you’re looking into learning Academic English this year, feel free to contact us for more information by clicking here.