He target language refers to the language that presents facts and is devoid of personal feelings. The most significant example is the language of academic writing.
Although one can have a posture and even an inclination or an opinion of values or preferences on a topic, the writing must provide and give references of evidence.
At present, with the climate of widespread disagreement, the ability to distinguish facts from opinions is more important than ever. Actual arguments include factual observations and judgments based on those facts.
Other situations in which the target language is used may be journalism and judicial and technical reports. The following examples can illustrate this concept:
-The journalist struggles to get objectivity in his reports.
-"Before proceeding we need a study of the facts of the case"- says a detective.
-"I want an objective analysis of the flow of our money for Monday"- says the director of the company.
Academic use
In the university, it is expected to investigate an issue using relevant information in books, academic texts and other publications, statistics and research.
It seeks to present the facts and let the audience or reader draw their own conclusions and opinion.
It opposes subjective language, which is the one that can not be evaluated, calculated or verified and expresses feelings, opinions and judgments.
Objective language characteristics
To be able to write in an objective language it is necessary to be specific and to cite to scholars or authorities in the matter that are considered credible and / or specialists.
Information must be factual, that is, fact-based. The facts are objective, concrete, measurable in numbers, quantities, weights and measures with precise language. They do not generate debate because the facts are indisputable.
Use impersonal language
To give an objective tone to a text and sound independent of the writer and the reader, impersonal language should be used.
The first person singular or plural (I / we) is not used because its use would lead to transmit enthusiasm and involvement in the subject.
The use of personal pronouns and personal language features should also be avoided.
Incorrect: I think there is a discrepancy between theory and practice.
Right: Studies suggest that there is a discrepancy between theory and practice.
Also avoid the use of words that indicate value judgment.
Incorrect: I agree that Carrol's conclusion (1996)...
Right: The statistics suggest that Carrol's conclusion (1996)...
Use facts
You should not express your thoughts explicitly, because you would be making a personal judgment, and the conclusion would appear to be based on beliefs rather than evidence.
The more specific the text, the stronger the argument.
Examples:
Incorrect: Most of the population.
Right: 82% of the population.
Is neutral
Do not appeal to emotions or values, they should not be used even if it is persuasive.
Incorrect: Japanese spelling is too difficult to understand.
Right : Japanese spelling is not generally well understood.
Do not exaggerate
Exaggeration may give the impression that you are lying, it may help to avoid the use of really always always never very .
Incorrect: The results of the elections were very even.
Correct: The results of the elections were even enough to demand two counts.
References
- Writing department. (2014). Objective Language. 07/10/2017, from Adelaide University Website: adelaide.edu.au
- Bryanna Licciardi. (2017). Objective Writing: Definition & Examples. 07/07/2017, from Study.com Website: study.com
- Editor. (2017). Objective Vs. Subjective - What's the Difference?. 10/7/2017, by Writing Explained Website: writingexplained.org
- Editor. (2000). Using Impersonal Language1. 08/10/2017, from University Learning Website: unilearning.uow.edu.au
- Stephanie Leffler. (2017). Objective Writing Tips: Keeping Your Research Paper Free of Bias. 08/10/2017, by Write Website: write.com