Happy November everyone,
I am so glad you are here! Ready for a little ELD conversation?
Let’s get started.
Here is the question:
ACADEMIC LANGUAGE versus Academic Vocabulary are these 2 terms the same or different?
Have you noticed that these terms are often used interchangeably? To understand the differences between these two words let’s take an in-depth look at the precise meaning of each word.
Delving into these 2 terms it becomes apparent that the overarching concept is ACADEMIC LANGUAGE.
ACADEMIC LANGUAGEthe specialized language of academic discourse and textbooks.
Many researches insist that proficiency in ACADEMIC LANGUAGE is the most important predictor of academic success for individual students. Students must learn the many skills that are interwoven into the notion of ACADEMIC LANGUAGE.
Academic Vocabulary is an important component, it is only one cog on the wheel we call ACADEMIC LANGUAGE.
ACADEMIC LANGUAGE is a complex concept and requires teaching students:
• the phonological features of English
• academic vocabulary and word formation rules (Lexical knowledge)
• grammar
• discourse
• cognition
Here is a little more detail on each of these important areas:
• Phonological Features include the sound patterns and intonation of English.
• Vocabulary and Word Formation includes teaching:
o prefixes, suffixes and roots
o tier 1, 2, and 3 words (here is where academic vocabulary comes in)
o parts of speech
o multiple meanings of words
o the grammar rules that apply to word formation and usage.
• Grammar comprises:
o the correct use, rules, and understanding of the parts of speech
o word classes
o inflections
o increasing word complexity
o understanding complex sentence structures
o syntax
• Discourse entails:
o the ability to use words
o to organize knowledge
o to exchange ideas
• Cognition encompasses:
o the mental action of:
• thinking
• understanding
• learning
• remembering.
These two words should NOT be used interchangeably. 
