SCI-ART LAB

Science, Art, Litt, Science based Art & Science Communication

Q: Is there a common culture at all in this world? If it is there , what is it? 

Q: Is there are common language in the world?

Krishna: Yes, scientific culture. It is the same everywhere! Well, almost!

Scientific jargon based language. It is the same everywhere on Earth! Scientists are science-lingual wherever they are on this planet. 

Scientific principles are unique too. They are the same everywhere in this universe given that the conditions in which they operate are same.

Q: What is scientific jargon? Why is it used at all?
Krishna: Jargon is the specialized vocabulary of any profession, trade, science, or hobby (1). As scientists discover
new phenomena and research techniques, they coin terms by which to refer to these findings. These
terms, which are technical terms specific to a discipline, will, by default, be jargon. Thus, jargon
essentially creates language to meet the needs of scientific development. In addition, by introducing new
jargon in their texts scientists signify that they are making progress in the field.
Jargon differs from “fatty” language, or unnecessarily complicated words and phrases. It does not simply
refer to any incomprehensible writing, but to the specific technical terms within a discipline. Thus, jargon
serves the purpose of allowing the author to communicate both concisely and effectively within a
disciplinary audience.

For scientists, jargon is an important communication tool. Using jargon not only signals to others that a person is an expert in their field, but it also helps them communicate rapidly and precisely with others in that field. Using things like DNA, Streptococcus, or PCR convey a huge amount of information in just a word or phrase. This saves time and transmits complex concepts quickly and efficiently.

Take for instance, the acronym DNA. To a non-scientific audience interested in science, this word likely conveys the idea of an information storage system within the cells of living beings. But to structural biologists, the word DNA unlocks a whole compartment in their minds linked to the chemistry of the molecule — its three-dimensional structure, physical and chemical properties, movement, function, and perhaps more. To molecular biologists and geneticists, the word may let loose a ton of facts on how the information system in a cell works, how proteins are encoded and decoded, how glitches in this information system can lead to diseases such as cancer, and much more (2).

In this capacity, jargon seems to function somewhat like a password that allows scientists to access particular knowledge pools.

Another reason why scientists use jargon is because new discoveries often require new words. Using jargon also helps in precise communication as most jargon words only denote one thing and are not mixed up with commonly-used words.

Jargon saves the scientific world  a lot of time and the effort of detailed explanations. 

Footnotes:

1. https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/scie...

2. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/06/explainer-why-do-we-use-jargon-w....

Views: 18

Replies to This Discussion

18

RSS

Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service