Grammar Mini-Lesson

ENG420
Los Angeles Pacific University
December 2, 2019
Elizabeth Joliet Rebolledo
Appropriate Language
● ●
Jargon
Exaggerated language,
euphemisms, and
“doublespeak”
Slang, Regional Expressions
and Non Standard English
● Use only with those familiar to the vocabulary
Jargon can make a sentence difficult to
ew
understand
● Puffed up language becomes wordy
● Mild language used to substitute a blunt
expression
● Best practice is to avoid pretentious language to
provide clarity to meaning
● “Doublespeak” is deliberate use of evasive
vocabulary
● Slang is Informal words used by a group of people ex.
Teeneagers; not appropriate to use in written work
● Regional expressions are expressions associated to
geographical regions
● Non standard is spoken english one of the major
differences is grammar from standard english
Examples

An example of jargon is the use of the word “cookie” by those that

work with computer technology.
▪ Cookie stands for a section of data sent through a browser.
An example euphemism is using the word “thinning” to describe going
bold.
▪ Robert’s is thin on top.
Slang are words typically used by the younger generations. For
example the word goat to describe someone of great
accomplishments.
▪ Robert Downey Jr. is the goat.
Appropriate Language cont.

● Think about your subject and audience

Formality ● Avoid shifting from formal to informal to not
confuse reader

● Show sensitivity by avoiding stereotypes for

genders
Sexist Language ● Use conventions when naming and gender
neutral terms

● Avoid stereotypes, generalizations, and

Revising offensive language
biased language of a group of people
 Ways to Teach Appropriate Language

● Teachers can engage students by preparing reading activities with examples of jargon, euphemism,
slang, informality, sexist language, and revising language.
● These activities can be read in a large group as teacher guides students through the concepts.
● Once students understand the concept, the teacher can separate the students into groups and have
them review a worksheet with example of the above mentioned and they need to work together
with their peers to revise the reading passage.
● Students should get comfortable with revising so that they can use these skills to revise their own
work.
● This will allow students to develop skills in drafting, revising and editing their work.
Why is appropriate language important
in language acquisition?

The appropriate use of words is important in the acquisition of

language because it helps to establish the concepts of understanding
what the word means and when its suitable to use it.
Student will develop great writing skills they will focus on grammar,
reading comprehension, clarity in writing, avoid using informal or
unnecessary language.
According to Purdue University (2019), “it is very important to use
language that fits your audience and matches purpose. Inappropriate
language uses can damage your credibility, undermine your argument,
or alienate your audience.”
 References

Nordquist, R. (2019). Definition and Examples of Jargon. Retrieved from

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-jargon-1691202

Nordquist, R. (2019). Why Do We Use Euphemisms? Retrieved from

https://www.thoughtco.com/why-do-we-use-euphemisms-1692701

Purdue University (2019) Appropriate Language: Overview. Retrieved from

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/using_appropria
te_language/index.html

Hacker, D., Sommers, N. (2019). A Writer’s Reference 8th Edition by Diana Hacker PDF
Free. Retrieved 9 December 2019, from https://www.slideshare.net/LuisYork1/a-
writers-reference-8th-edition-by-diana-hacker-pdf-free