Analysis of Epistemic Gatekeeping Engendered by Abstruse Academic Cant in STEM and HUMSS : Analysis of Elitist, Inaccessible Academic Language in Science and Humanities.

Authors

Hanan Khaja Mohammad Irfan

Abstract

The paper attempts to analyze the existence of explicit elitist linguistic trends when it comes to choice of words, syntax, context, jargon and the overall English language in academic and scholarly works. It further questions the impact such linguistic trends have on accessibility and readability of academic works. The paper intends to analyze the development of formalism and structuralism in academic writing and juxtaposes it with the advocacy of academic simplism. The mode of analysis is data driven, taking into account various respondents from the Indian disapora to answer their experiences with regards to their participation in academia. Academia is plagued by a quotidian overcomplexity, and technical cant that render an already complicated subject further unreadable for the masses. This paper analyses the public opinion on the same and the reasons behind such self-sabotaging academic practices

Recommended Citation

Irfan, Hanan Khaja Mohammad (2024) "Analysis of Epistemic Gatekeeping Engendered by Abstruse Academic Cant in STEM and HUMSS : Analysis of Elitist, Inaccessible Academic Language in Science and Humanities.," International Journal of English Learning & Teaching Skills (IJELTS): Vol. 4: Iss. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://research.smartsociety.org/ijelts/vol4/iss3/4