3.3.2
Jargon
Occupational Groups - Jargon
Occupational Groups - Jargon
Jargon, also known as field-specific lexis, is the term we give to a piece of language which is unique to the group in which it's used and would not make total sense to those not in the group.
'The web of discourse'
'The web of discourse'
- John Swales proposed the term ‘the web of discourse’, which is sometimes referred to as being part of a ‘discourse community’.
- This essentially states that within a work place, employees are part of a group who share a common purpose and goal and within that web, language use shares similarities and differences.
- For example, two employees may use the same jargon, but one of these employees might be the boss and as a result, the language use will be different.
Positive views of jargon
Positive views of jargon
- Kollataj argues that some language uses (like slang) have a stigma in the workplace, but jargon does not.
- Spolsky says that jargon helps you to become indoctrinated into the group.
- Herrgard argues that in time-constrained situations (e.g. a kitchen), efficiency is key and so jargon works well here.
- Drew and Heritage’s research suggests that knowing the relevant jargon allows us to make the job run more efficiently.
Positive views of jargon (cont.)
Positive views of jargon (cont.)
- Crystal believes that jargon leads to efficiency and ultimately optimal communication.
- He also states that it builds a group identity in which more ‘elite’ member can emerge (e.g. your boss probably knows and uses more jargon than you).
Negative views of jargon
Negative views of jargon
- Althusser argues that it disturbs our thoughts if we don’t know/use the jargon.
- Spolsky also says that you can stand out (in a bad way) if you do not know/use jargon.
- The Plain English Campaign aims to reduce the amount of jargon being used because they believe it detracts from the ‘plain English’.
1Language Levels
1.1Assessment Objectives
1.2Lexis
1.2.1Introduction
1.2.2Common, Proper, Abstract & Concrete Nouns
1.2.3Collective Nouns
1.2.4Adjectives
1.2.5Main, Auxiliary & Copular Verbs
1.2.6Dynamic & Stative Verbs
1.2.7Transitive, Intransitive, Active & Passive Verbs
1.2.8Mood of Verbs
1.2.9Adverbs
1.2.10Personal, Possessive & Reflexive Pronouns
1.2.11Relative & Demonstrative Pronouns
1.2.12Determiners
1.2.13Conjunctions
1.2.14Synonyms, Antonyms & Phonological Features
1.2.15End of Topic Test - Lexis
1.3Grammar
1.4Semantics & Pragmatics
1.5Discourse Structure, Graphology & Orthography
2Language, The Individual & Society
2.1Children’s Language Development
2.2Children's Language Development - Theories
2.3Literacy Development: Reading
3Language Diversity & Change
3.1The Importance of Gendered Language
3.2Social Groups
3.3Occupational Groups
3.4Accents & Dialects
3.5Language Change
Jump to other topics
1Language Levels
1.1Assessment Objectives
1.2Lexis
1.2.1Introduction
1.2.2Common, Proper, Abstract & Concrete Nouns
1.2.3Collective Nouns
1.2.4Adjectives
1.2.5Main, Auxiliary & Copular Verbs
1.2.6Dynamic & Stative Verbs
1.2.7Transitive, Intransitive, Active & Passive Verbs
1.2.8Mood of Verbs
1.2.9Adverbs
1.2.10Personal, Possessive & Reflexive Pronouns
1.2.11Relative & Demonstrative Pronouns
1.2.12Determiners
1.2.13Conjunctions
1.2.14Synonyms, Antonyms & Phonological Features
1.2.15End of Topic Test - Lexis
1.3Grammar
1.4Semantics & Pragmatics
1.5Discourse Structure, Graphology & Orthography
2Language, The Individual & Society
2.1Children’s Language Development
2.2Children's Language Development - Theories
2.3Literacy Development: Reading
3Language Diversity & Change
3.1The Importance of Gendered Language
3.2Social Groups
3.3Occupational Groups
3.4Accents & Dialects
3.5Language Change
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered