Scientific Language: Characteristics, Functions, Types and Examples

He scientific language it is a language modality characterized by its formality and use of symbols and terms of science. It is used for the transmission of specialized or scientific knowledge. It is usually transmitted through written messages and must be supported by reliable sources and scientific-technical demonstrations.

Science requires the use of special language codes to differentiate from colloquial language; there is even specialized language for the different scientific disciplines. Each branch of science uses its own jargon or language codes: medicine, biology, technology, astronomy, mathematics, physics, etc.

However, despite the semantic differences between sciences, there are basic or common characteristics of scientific language. The scientific language uses specific terms about the subject of which it speaks, so much so that the special lexicon used in scientific texts is its main characteristic.

This type of language is also characterized by its objectivity, clarity, precision and accuracy. There is no place for personal opinions or feelings. In this way, science avoids ambiguities and misunderstandings.

characteristics

Impersonal

Avoid the use of the first person singular (I) or plural (us), which is to convey its objective nature.

objective

Nor does it issue personal opinions; that is, it avoids the use of subjective elements. It is based on observations about the results obtained through scientific tests.

Concise

He says what he wants to say, using only the amount of words needed.

Precise

He is careful to say exactly what is meant. Use connectors to do simple phrase sequencing, just like simple verb tenses.

Clear

It is understandable for the type of audience to which it is addressed. The accuracy with which the facts or evidence are exposed is what gives an article or scientific discourse probative value and veracity.

Additionally, there are other characteristic features of scientific language:

- Try or report on a specific topic.

- It is aimed at an expert audience in the subject matter.

- It can be difficult to understand for those who are not experts in the subject.

- Use language codes and a specific terminology.

- High density or terminological specialization.

- Low level of periphrasis or unnecessary use of words. Nor does he use rhetorical ornaments.

- Frequent use of acronyms, ranging from an explicit level (name) to an airtight level (the acronym).

- Use a univocal vocabulary (monosemic language) to avoid different interpretations. The technicalities and neologisms that it uses do not tolerate other forms such as polysemy, synonymy and homonymy. However, it creates neologisms by composition and derivation.

- He borrows lexicals and uses graphics and drawings for his explanations.

- It makes strict reference to the object or subject of which it deals. It uses a denotative language and refuses to use oblique language.

-Use discursive elements such as: definition, description, demonstration, enunciation, explanation and characterization, without involving personal positions.

- In the writing the present tense prevails together with the indicative mode. It uses abundant nouns and very few adjectives.

- It's universal; therefore, there are no particularisms in the use of scientific terms, as in the exemplifications and the methodological conventions themselves.

- Previously the scientific language had an almost total dependence on Latin and to a lesser extent on Greek. At present, English is the language most used in scientific discourse, although at the beginning of the 20th century it was German along with Latin.

Functions

The scientific language fulfills some very precise functions as a vehicle of science. As already said, it is precise, exact and objective. Among its functions include:

Transmit information

It transmits specific knowledge to a public and represents at the same time a specific scientific discipline.

Express arguments

It goes to the concrete, exposing the subject in question and developing each one of the arguments without adornments.

Metalinguistics

Scientific texts and technicians create and recreate their own terminology. For this reason, they must often explain the meaning of the terms used to avoid ambiguities or distortions. Some of the words of scientific terminology have no meaning in the language dictionaries.

Types

The scientific language can be classified according to the different types of words used. There are scientific words that were created specifically for the use of science. For example, photosynthesis, electrolysis and mitosis.

Also, there are words of everyday use that are used in scientific language to refer to certain phenomena or actions in science, but are also used in other contexts; For example: exercise, repel, natural or contract.

Scientists do not speak in a language other than the one they use to communicate in their daily lives. The difference is that in their work they use a special and specific terminology to deal with scientific issues. They use generic terms with specific meanings for science and specialized terms of scientific jargon.

According to the provenance of the technicalities that it employs, the scientific language can be classified into:

Words of the common language with different meaning

For example: mass, force, power, inertia, matter, protocol, routine.

Terms of Greek or Latin origin (simple or compound)

For example: headache, anatomy, polygenic, petrology.

Words formed with Latin or Greek roots

For example: anorexia, pustule, atom.

Neologisms

For example: anglicisms (standard, stress) and gallicisms (pavilion).

Examples

An example of a text written in journalistic language and the same text written in scientific language:

Example 1

Journalistic text

Recent newspaper reports indicate that there is proven evidence that the consumption of the artificial sweetener Aspartame can accelerate type 2 diabetes in the human body. This type of diabetes is caused by insulin deficiency, since the body is not able to produce insulin to process blood sugar.

Cientific text

Proven evidence suggests that consumption of the artificial sweetener Aspartame, causes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Example 2

One third of the earth's surface is covered with calcareous soils. In the present work, the effect of chemical compounds based on mesosulfuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium is demonstrated in this type of soil.

Examples of scientific terms

- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

- Biotechnology (biological technology)

- Cycloheximide (chemical compound to slow the cell cycle)

- Chromosome (structure of the cell nucleus that carries the DNA)

- Diploid (nucleus with two sets of chromosomes)

- Enzyme (molecule of a protein nature)

- Liposuction (surgical technique to remove fat from the body)

References

1. Characteristics of the scientific language (PDF), Consulted of files.sld.cu
2. Examples of scientific terms examplede.com
3. Types of scientific language. Consulted by community.dur.ac.uk
4. Anglicisms in the scientific literature, Consulted by revistaneurocirugia.com
5. Experiments with scientific language. Consulted by theguardian.com
6. Special languages ​​2: Technical and scientific language. Consulted of sites.google.com
7. Scientific language is becoming more informal. Consulted by nature.com