academese

Academese is a label applied to the formal, specialized prose used in scholarly writing. It is characterized by long sentences, nominalizations, hedging, passive voice, and discipline-specific jargon. The language often relies on abstract terms and densely layered syntax to convey nuanced theories, methods, and results.

Proponents argue that academese supports precision, rigor, and the careful handling of complex ideas, and it can aid indexing and cross-disciplinary reference. Critics contend that it can obscure meaning, impede readability, and create unnecessary barriers for non-specialists or new researchers. The balance between clarity and technical accuracy is a common concern in peer review and editorial practice.

Historically, the form emerged with the professionalization of academia in the 19th and 20th centuries and varies by field. Some disciplines prize concise, data-driven prose; others favor elaborate argumentation. Humanities writing often features extended theses and qualifiers; sciences may prefer direct reporting of results, though even there nominalizations and hedging appear.

Typical features include nominalizations (the analysis of..., the consideration of...), abstract nouns, discipline-specific terms, and verbs rendered as nouns. Active voice is increasingly encouraged yet not universal. Writers may employ hedges such as "may indicate" and "it is suggested" to preserve nuance.

Efforts to improve readability include plain-language summaries, structured abstracts, and style guides that advocate defining terms, using plain language where possible, and avoiding unnecessary nominalizations. Readability metrics exist but do not capture disciplinary nuance. Overall, academese remains a contested but persistent feature of scholarly communication.