Abstract
This study intends to explore what stylistic features characterize scientific English and make it different from any other language used in any other discipline. What are certain areas of language that are used more frequently in science than in non-science oriented language texts? This paper deals with the linguistic features concerning the application of vocabulary, grammar, discourse and style used in scientific English. A comparative analysis of literary and scientific language has been undertaken to make the nature and discourse of scientific English clearer. It was found that scientific use of English is marked with accuracy, precision and objective interpretation of facts and findings whereas literary language is subjective interpretation of life. Literary language contains literary impulse and represents the artist's inner self and his spontaneous overflow of feeling whereas scientific language represents universal truth and verifiable research findings. Scientific research papers drawn from Medical and Natural sciences were analyzed and it was found that frequent occurrence of Passive Voice in Method Section of scientific research articles makes scientific research findings impersonal and universal. Scientists use Passive Voice most often in order to get rid of personal whims and fancies. Many other features of scientific English such as nominalization and ‘interrogative gambit’ which occur frequently as unique discourse features in scientific research journals have also been taken into account in this study.
Highlights
Heterogeneity of subject matter gives rise to the varied textual and discourse patterns in writing system
In its nature and function, scientific language has proven markedly different from literary language
The present study explores that the internal organization in scientific research articles based on distinct constituents is a recurrent phenomenon.These constituents contain IMRD sections in scientific research articles which stand for Introduction, Method, Result and Discussion
Summary
Heterogeneity of subject matter gives rise to the varied textual and discourse patterns in writing system. The scientific language is accurate, precise and detached from individual impulse It aims to inform about an important issue and what particular approach is taken up to investigate that issue. It is an objective interpretation of facts and findings. Literary language is subjective interpretation of life. The author implies that there could have been anyone, or any research could have been carried out, the research still would have come to the same conclusion He is of the view that impersonalization is realized by the frequent use of passive voice.
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