Q1-M1 EAPP Language & Text Structure Across Disciplines – Comprehensive Study Notes

Academic Language – Concept & Significance

• Definition: the specialized language used in academic settings to access and express disciplinary knowledge (Anstrom $2010$; Gottlieb & Ernst-Slavit $2014$).

• Distinct from everyday social English in vocabulary, grammatical structures, precision, abstraction, and objectivity.

• Key characteristics

  • Discipline-specific jargon/technical terms ("variable" in Math, "collateral" in Business, "ph" in Chemistry, etc.).

  • Formal register: avoidance of contractions, slang, vague pronouns; preference for nominalization and passive voice when appropriate.

  • Dense information packaging via complex noun phrases, embedded clauses, and cohesive devices (e.g., therefore, consequently).

  • Assumes reader familiarity with research conventions: citations, methodological references, data commentary.

• Pedagogical rationale

  • Mastery enables learners to think, act, and communicate as scientists, historians, mathematicians, etc. (Nagy & Townsend $2012$).

  • Supports comprehension of textbooks, participation in disciplinary discourse, and success in assessments.

Language Features Across Major Disciplines

• Mathematics

  • Hallmark: symbolic notation replacing words ($+$, $\times$, $x$, $y$, $z$, $=$).

  • Numbers, formulas, and algebraic expressions function as "nouns & verbs" of the language.

• Business / Economics

  • Jargon: remit, obligate, collateral, equities, bulk buying.

  • Compound nouns frequent (tax-collection system, price list).

  • Ritual politeness formulas: Could you please …, We are extremely sorry ….

• Social Sciences

  • Political Science: monarchy, executive branch.

  • Economics: profit, trade relations.

  • Sociology: migration, social class.

  • Psychology: motivation, depression.

  • Common presence of graphs & tables; interpreting visual data is essential.

• Natural Sciences

  • Abundant technical terms, symbols, abbreviations (e.g., $NaCl$, $CO_2$, $pH$).

  • Specialized meaning for common words (force, work, power).

  • Diagrams, schematics, and microscopic images accompany text.

• Literature & the Arts

  • Dominated by connotative language, imagery, and figures of speech.

  • Stylistic creativity equals factual content (gothic mood, mosaic, hue).

Text Structures – Nine Canonical Patterns

1. Definition – clarifies meaning (is defined as, refers to, a type of). Dominant in Social Sciences & Humanities.

2. Description – vivid sensory / attribute detailing (huge, spherical, onyx-like). Frequent in Business product briefs & Literary analysis.

3. Recount of a Sequence – chronological or procedural narration (first, then, $1997$, meanwhile). Common in History & Lab procedures.

4. Cause – Effect – reasons & results (due to, consequently, leads to). Seen in Sociology, Literary criticism.

5. Problem – Solution – issue presentation plus remedy (the dilemma is, a solution is). Central to Math word problems & Business case studies.

6. Comparison & Contrast – similarities/differences (likewise, on the other hand). Used in cross-disciplinary analyses.

7. Enumeration / Listing – itemized series (first, next, finally; bullets). Frequent in Social Sciences & Arts.

8. Classification – grouping by shared traits (divided into four castes). Biology taxonomy, market segmentation.

9. Thesis – Evidence (General–Specific / Inductive–Deductive) – argument supported by proofs (asserts, data show). Core of scholarly essays.

Signal-Word Cheat Sheet

• Definition: is, refers to, consists of, means, is characterized by.

• Description: sensory adjectives/adverbs, size, shape, color.

• Sequence: first, next, during, finally, $1997$.

• Cause: because of, due to, the first reason …

• Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result.

• Problem: issue, dilemma, the question is.

• Solution: answer, remedy, to solve this.

• Compare: likewise, similarly, both.

• Contrast: however, unlike, on the other hand.

• Enumeration: also, in addition, another, for instance.

• Classification: type, category, part of, group.

• Evidence: data show, according to, the study indicates.