Video: Academic Language | Definition, Function & Examples

Importance of Academic Language

Academic language refers to the terminologies that are used mostly in textbooks, lessons, assignments, and tests in schools and colleges. These words are more demanding and complex than social language. It is compulsory for all students to get direct, explicit instructions on it.

Categories and Tiers of Vocabulary

Vocabulary means the words we hear, use, and understand. They are categorized into two types: receptive and expressive vocabulary. The words that we hear and read are called receptive vocabulary, and the words that we speak and write are expressive vocabulary.

Tier 1 Vocabulary

Tier 1 vocabulary consists of those basic words with one meaning, like dog, girl, sad, etc.

Tier 2 Vocabulary

Tier 2 vocabulary consists of more common words that have multiple meanings. For example, predict, summarize, infer, etc.

Tier 3 Vocabulary

Tier 3 vocabulary consists of subject-specific words like isotope, industrial age, indigenous, etc.

Function of Academic Language

• Academic language helps determine the student's understanding of different concepts. They ensure familiarity with task wording.
• This language is necessary for higher-level skills like understanding skills like recall and memory. Also, it facilitates complex tasks like defending or summarizing.
• Academic language is a requirement of rigorous standards and is essential for end-of-year assessment.

Robert Marzano's Six Steps for Instructing Academic Language

• Define: Explain new words with examples and help students make content connections.
• Restate: Students define things in their own words to ensure their understanding.
• Picture it: Students can create a visual or symbolic representation to strengthen memory and meaning.
• Interact: Using new words in different ways to reinforce definitions.
• Talk: Encourage group, pair, and class discussions to increase fluency with vocabulary.
• Play: Use games and activities to reinforce learning to engage students in different contexts.