Language of Academic Texts from Various Disciplines

Flashcards covering the definitions of communication types, academic terminology, and the specific characteristics of academic and non-academic texts.

Communication

The process of transmitting ideas from one person to another or exchanging information for better understanding.

Non-Verbal Communication

A mode of communication transmitted through actions and appearance, including facial expressions, body movement, signs, and gestures.

Verbal Communication

A form of communication involving both written and oral modes, focused on the specific words used to express a message.

Listening (Communication Channel)

A channel of communication that accounts for approximately $31\%$ of a person's waking hours.

Speaking (Communication Channel)

A channel of communication that accounts for approximately $21\%$ of a person's waking hours.

Reading (Communication Channel)

A channel of communication that accounts for approximately $11\%$ of a person's waking hours.

Writing (Communication Channel)

A channel of communication that accounts for approximately $7\%$ of a person's waking hours.

Competition

A process where one being rivals the other in reaching a certain objective faster and smarter.

Cooperation

An agreement to reach an aim together, which ensures that survival is adhered to the purpose.

Language

A system of communication used by a particular country or community consisting of words used in a structured and conventional way.

Academic Language

The language used in textbooks, classrooms, and tests that represents the specific demands of school.

Academic Vocabulary

Words used across all academic disciplines to teach about the specific content of the discipline.

Academic Structure

The established ways of organizing writing in a discipline, including paragraph/sentence structure and level of text difficulty.

Reading (Process)

A process that involves recognizing words and negotiating meaning between the text and its reader.

Academic Text

A product of communication or piece of written language that is research-based, factual, and verifiable.

Non-Academic Text

Texts intended for mass, public consumption that are less likely to include references to source material.

Textbooks

Academic texts specifically designed to help learners for specific subjects or disciplines using highly set languages.

Essays

Academic texts used to show the depth of learning on a topic, typically containing an Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion.

Master's Level Thesis

Longer academic texts that typically range from $60,000$ to $80,000$ words.

Doctor's Level (Ph.D.) Dissertation

Longer academic texts that typically range from $10,000$ to $20,000$ words.

Research Articles

Academic texts written mainly for a specialist audience, including researchers, academics, and postgraduate students.

Reports

Academic texts used to describe what happened and discuss and evaluate its importance.