- Academic use
- Characteristics of the target language
- Use impersonal language
- Use facts
- Is neutral
- Don't exaggerate
The target language refers to the language that presents facts and devoid of personal feelings. The most significant example is the language of academic writing.
Although you can have a position and even an inclination or an opinion of values or preferences on a topic, the writing must provide and give references of evidence.
Today, with the climate of widespread disagreement, the ability to distinguish facts from opinions is more important than ever. Effective arguments include factual observations and judgments based on those facts.
Other situations in which objective language is used can be journalism and judicial and technical reports. The following examples can illustrate this concept:
Academic use
In college it is expected that a topic will be investigated using relevant information in books, academic texts and other publications, statistics and research.
It seeks to present the facts and let the audience or reader draw their own conclusions and opinion.
It is opposed to subjective language, which is that which cannot be evaluated, calculated or verified and expresses feelings, opinions and judgments.
Characteristics of the target language
To be able to write in an objective language, it is necessary to be specific and cite scholars or authorities in the field that are considered credible and / or specialists.
The information must be factual, that is, based on facts. The facts are objective, concrete, measurable in numbers, quantities, weights and measures with precise language. They do not generate debate because the facts are indisputable.
Use impersonal language
To give a text an objective tone and sound independent of the writer and the reader, impersonal language must be used.
The first person singular or plural (I / we) is not used because its use would convey enthusiasm and involvement in the subject.
The use of personal pronouns and characteristics of personal language should also be avoided.
Incorrect: I think there is a discrepancy between theory and practice.
Correct: Studies suggest that there is a discrepancy between theory and practice.
Also avoid using words that indicate value judgment.
Incorrect: I agree that Carrol's (1996) conclusion…
Correct: Statistics suggest that Carrol's (1996) conclusion…
Use facts
The thoughts should not be expressed explicitly, because a personal judgment is being made, and the conclusion would appear to be based on beliefs rather than evidence.
The more specific the text, the stronger the argument.
Examples:
Incorrect: Most of the population.
Correct: 82% of the population.
Is neutral
Do not appeal to emotions or values, they should not be used even if it is persuasive.
Incorrect: Japanese spelling is too difficult to understand.
Correct: Japanese spelling is not generally well understood.
Don't exaggerate
Exaggeration can give the impression that you are lying, it can help to avoid using really, always, never, very.
Incorrect: The election results were very even.
- Writing department. (2014). Objective Language. 10/07/2017, from Adelaide University Website: adelaide.edu.au
- Bryanna Licciardi. (2017). Objective Writing: Definition & Examples. 10/07/2017, from Study.com Website: study.com
- Editor. (2017). Objective vs. Subjective - What's the Difference ?. 10/07/2017, from Writing Explained Website: writingexplained.org
- Editor. (2000). Using Impersonal Language1. 10/08/2017, from University Learning Website: unilearning.uow.edu.au
- Stephanie Leffler. (2017). Objective Writing Tips: Keeping Your Research Paper Free of Bias. 10/08/2017, from Write Website: write.com