Walter E. Dunson, Ph.D. 

Academic language represents the complex components of the English language that are required for success in academic discourse.  In vocabulary and structure, it is quite different from the social English that we use in normal conversations.  Mainly composed of Latinate and Greek word construction, academic language is the primary hindrance to the comprehension of texts and lectures. 

To combat poor academic language skills, students will require instruction in the following key areas of academic language development:

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Sentence Structure

• Anglo-Saxon Word Construction 

• Latinate Word Construction

• Greek Word Construction

• Sociolinguistics

• Critical Thinking Skills

• Language Awareness

• Study Skills

• Learning Styles