Why Academic Papers Are Often Unintelligible to the General Public
Academic papers are often written in a manner that seems baffling and overwhelming, especially to those outside the specific field of study. This phenomenon, while understandable, stems from several inherent factors that contribute to its complexity. In this article, we'll explore why academic papers are written in a way that only academic people can understand, their necessity, and the challenges they pose.
Reasons for Unclear Language in Academic Papers
New Concepts and Unfamiliar Terms
The primary reason academic papers contain unfamiliar language is due to the introduction of entirely new concepts that the general public has yet to grasp. These concepts require specific terminology to accurately convey their meanings. For instance, one cannot discuss neutrinos without using the term 'neutrino' itself. A layperson reading a paper on particle physics might not know what a neutrino is, which explains why academic papers use unfamiliar language.
Example: Without the term 'neutrino,' statements like 'the mass of neutrinos was measured' would be nonsensical. This necessitates that academic research uses specialized, often unfamiliar, vocabulary to communicate effectively within the field.
Reservations About Simplification
Even where simplification would aid understanding, many academics refrain from using straightforward language or avoiding jargon. The fear is that such simplification would be perceived as less serious or 'journalistic' by their peers. This reluctance to make writing more accessible can lead to overly dense, complex texts that exacerbate the initial barrier to understanding.
Example: Instead of saying 'my student ground the substance as finely as possible,' a more formal approach might read 'the particle size was optimized.' The latter is more ambiguous and, to some academics, more professional, but it adds to the difficulty for non-specialists.
The Use of the Passive Voice
A third factor that contributes to the complexity of academic writing is the frequent use of the passive voice. Academics often adopt this formal expression to avoid placing blame or specifying the active agent of an action. This can create ambiguity and make it easier to conceal details about how something was done. For example, rather than saying 'I made my student grind the substance as finely as possible,' a paper might read 'the particle size was optimized.' The former is direct and clear, while the latter can be seen as more formal but less transparent.
The Necessity of High Specificity
Academic papers are not written in a highly specialized language as a conscious effort to make them difficult to understand. Instead, their precise language reflects the need to address niche topics with unparalleled specificity. The goal is to hit the core of the issue being studied, and the potential for inaccuracy is higher when terms and concepts are described vaguely or generalized.
Example: In a paper on climate change, trying to explain it with terms and explanations that are overly simplistic could lead to misunderstandings. High specificity is needed to avoid such pitfalls and ensure that the nuances of the research are accurately communicated.
Furthermore, it is important to note that academic papers are not just gibberish to the general public. Even for established academics in neighboring fields, understanding such papers can be challenging. This is because the terminology and context are tailored to a specific and specialized area of study, limiting the audience to those deeply immersed in the subject matter.
The Role of Length in Academic Writing
Another factor contributing to the incomprehensibility of academic papers is the need to maintain a reasonable length. Advanced scientific concepts cannot be explained in the way textbooks introduce basic principles to high school students. Providing everything from the ground up would be redundant and lengthy in the context of a paper. Therefore, academic papers rely on a well-established body of knowledge to build upon, further limiting their accessibility to the general public.
Example: A paper on quantum physics would assume readers have a certain foundational understanding of physics. It would not delve into explaining Newton's laws or basic mechanics unless these elements are directly relevant to the research at hand.
In conclusion, while academic papers are written with great care and precision to address niche topics, their specialized nature can make them challenging for non-specialists to understand. However, this does not mean they are deliberately made difficult. Instead, they reflect the complexity of the subject matter and the need for clear, unambiguous communication within the field.