Etymology of Jargon
Jargon is a term that originally referred to the specialized language used by particular groups or professions, such as lawyers or scientists.
The word “jargon” derives from the Old French term “jargoun,” which meant a chattering or twittering of birds. This term was later adopted by English speakers to describe the specialized vocabulary used by specific groups.
Meanings of Jargon
- Jargon’s Broad Scope: Today, it encompasses any specialized or technical language that poses challenges for those outside a specific field.
- Diverse Forms: This includes not only technical terminology employed by experts but also slang and colloquialisms unique to particular social groups.
- Exclusivity and Identity: It serves as a tool to establish a sense of exclusivity and to indicate belonging to a particular group or community.
- Communication Challenge: Nonetheless, excessive use of jargon can hinder effective communication and comprehension, especially when applied in contexts where it’s unwarranted or irrelevant.
Jargon in Grammar
- Singular Noun “Jargon”: In English grammar, “jargon” functions as a singular noun.
- Verb Agreement Context: The choice between a singular or plural verb depends on the context.
- Singular Verb for Specific Group: When discussing the jargon of a particular group, employ a singular verb, as in “The jargon of the legal profession is difficult to understand.”
- Plural Verb for Multiple Groups: If referring to multiple groups each with their distinct jargon, use a plural verb, as in “The jargons of various scientific fields differ greatly from one another.”
- Verb-Subject Concordance: Ensuring the verb matches the subject is essential for grammatical correctness and clear communication.
Definition of Jargon
It refers to specialized language that is specific to a particular profession or group. It often includes technical terms, slang, or other specialized vocabulary that may be difficult for outsiders to understand. While it is useful for communication within a particular group, it also is a barrier to effective communication outside of that group.
Types of Jargon
| Type | Detail | Examples |
| Technical jargon | Specific terminology in a field or industry, often complex. | Myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism |
| Business | Specialized language in the business world. | Synergy, leverage, ROI |
| Legal jargon | Specialized language in the legal profession. | Amicus curiae, ex parte, habeas corpus |
| Medical | Specialized language in the medical profession. | Hematology, neurology, cardiology |
| Academic jargon | Specialized language in academic writing and research. | Postmodernism, deconstruction, hermeneutics |
| Military | Specialized language in the military. | AWOL, POW, MIA |
| Sports jargon | Specialized language in the world of sports. | Slam dunk, home run, touchdown |
| Computer jargon | Specialized language in computers and technology. | Firewall, encryption, hacker |
| Political jargon | Specialized language in politics and government. | Lobbying, gerrymandering, filibuster |
| Environmental | Specialized language in environmental science. | Sustainability, biodiversity, carbon footprint |
This table provides an overview of various types along with details and examples for each type.
Literary Examples of Jargon
| Type | Definition | Example |
| Stream of Consciousness | A narrative technique in modernist literature presenting a character’s unstructured flow of thoughts and feelings. | James Joyce’s Ulysses |
| Bildungsroman | A coming-of-age novel focusing on the moral and psychological growth of a young protagonist. | The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger |
| Epistolary Novel | A novel presented as letters, diary entries, or written correspondence. | The Color Purple by Alice Walker |
| Magical Realism | A genre blending the supernatural with everyday life, creating a sense of magic and wonder. | One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez |
| Metafiction | Fiction drawing attention to its own status, often by breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the reader. | If on a winter’s night a traveler by Italo Calvino |
| Postmodernism | A literary movement rejecting traditional structures, embracing ambiguity, and challenging objective truth. | The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon |
| Tone | The writer’s attitude expressed through word choice and arrangement. | The tone in George Orwell’s Animal Farm is satirical and critical. |
| Free Indirect Discourse | A narrative technique merging narrator and character voices for intimacy and immediacy. | Jane Austen’s Emma |
Suggested Readings
- Crystal, David. English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
- Gwynne, N.M. Gwynne’s Grammar: The Ultimate Introduction to Grammar and the Writing of Good English. Vintage, 2014.
- Kostelnick, Charles, and David D. Roberts. Designing Visual Language: Strategies for Professional Communicators. Allyn & Bacon, 1998.
- Orwell, George. Politics and the English Language. Penguin, 2013.
- Pinker, Steven. The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature. Penguin, 2008.
- Truss, Lynne. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Gotham Books, 2006.