literature review academic language conventions compiled and presented by ms a coetzer language...

Compiled by Ms A Coetzer, Language Proficiency, SMU April 2015

Literature ReviewAcademic language conventions

Compiled and Presented by Ms A Coetzer

Language Proficiency, SMU


Introduction: Literature Review Writing Task

• In a literature review, we refer to materials / references / sources all relating to a topic

• We are creating a new literature review / text of our own

• We use those language conventions that generally feature in academic / scientific literature reviews (university textbooks and accredited journals)


Purpose of language conventions

• These language conventions help us to report information to our reader that is both accurate and reliable

• The information in the literature we consult is often obtained from scientific studies (research evidence), and in some instances, may be anecdotal (personal experience)

• It is therefore important that, as writers, we make our information bases and propositions (statements / claims, etc.) clear to our reader


Reporting expressions involve

• Technically correct references to all studies / research / surveys / reports / findings /data /evidence using the Harvard reference system

• Attention to verb constructions to reflect the meaning and time reference we want to convey to the reader (Will identify specific uses in extracts in Class)

• Use of either Active or Passive Voice constructions or Both alongside each other depending the best way to present information


Reporting expressions (p.1)

• A multi-centre study in South Africa shows that over half of all trauma unit patients are victims of violent injuries … (van As, p.34 in R)

• Fifty two percent of patients dying in transport-related incidents had an elevated blood alcohol content, according to the third annual report of … ¹ (van As, p.34 in R)



• The review quotes Stiglitz², Rosen³, and Walsh⁴ who argue that such taxes should present individuals and firms with … (van As, p.35 in R)

• Parry, et al.⁵ have made the case for increasing taxes on beer … . They also support the National Treasury’s policy of … (van As, p.36 in R)



• Local research has shown that the most common reasons for drug use include … (Rocha-Silva, et al., 1996). (Parry, p.43 in R)

• Research in the area of AOD use and young people in South Africa has tended to focus on issues such as … . There has been very little research into social and health consequences associated with AOD use by young people in this country (Parry, 1997). (Parry, p.44 in R)



• Data from the SACENDU Project (Parry & Bhana, 1997), however, support the view that … . (Parry, p.44 in R)

• One topic which has been very little studied in South Africa is the effect of substance use on school performance. Yamada, Kendix & Yamada (1996) in a study using data from the US National Longitudinal Survey of Youth found that … significantly reduce the probability of … . (Parry, p.44 in R)


Conveying information: verb choices and tenses

• Long-term alcohol use results in serious psychological and physical dependence. (Edwards & Louw, p.20 in R)

• Alcohol abuse plays a role in approximately 50% of all crime and fatal car accidents in South Africa (Louw, 1989). (Edwards & Louw, p.20 in R)

• Alcohol abuse also causes physical damage. (Edwards & Louw, p.20 in R)



Example of anecdotal evidence• These programmes are thought to be very

successful, but have not been formally evaluated as far as I am aware. (Parry, p.46 in R)

• Prozac has been especially controversial. Some people claim it can have serious side-effects including suicide, paranoid thoughts and violence. However, these allegations have not been proved [proven] to date.


Modal auxiliary uses (p.1)

• Increasing excise taxes on alcohol will correct for externalities [that are] associated with alcohol consumption, which are not currently being paid for by alcohol consumers and [will] also raise revenue for programmes to reduce the social burden [that is] associated with alcohol abuse.


Modal auxiliary uses (p.2)

• A prerequisite for claiming from this fund would be the proof that the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol while inflicting the injury. This could be performed by a breathalyzer test, [which could be] followed by a blood test for alcohol (performed by a district surgeon on instruction of the police). This will encourage alcohol testing and [will] create a climate for more awareness, which in itself might lead to fewer alcohol-related injuries. (van As, p.36 in R)


Stance (writer’s comment/ value judgements/ assessments) expressions

• Clearly the existing government programmes and interventions are insufficient and a much more robust and comprehensive programme is urgently required. (van As, p. 35 in R)

• Greater use should be made of random breath testing of drivers. (van As, p.35 in R)

• These increases are to be welcomed. However, we question whether they go far enough. (van As, p.35 in R)

• The time for stronger government action is now. (van As, p.37 in R)


Further expressions of Stance in Academic Discourse

• The fact that …• There is a real possibility of …• It is essential that …• My concern that …• It is perhaps more likely that they are associated

with • In my opinion, …• From the above perspectives, …• Interestingly, … (taken from Biber, et al., 1999)


Anecdotal evidence

• Dagga, which is probably the most widely used illegal drug, … . (Edwards & Louw, p.12 in R)

• It has not yet been proved [proven] that people develop tolerance for dagga. (Edwards & Louw, p.12 in R)

• Claims that dagga abuse damages the brain and reduces sperm cell levels have not been substantiated. (Edwards & Louw, p.13 in R)


Expressing recommendations / caution

• Counter-advertising should be used … (van As, p.35 in R)

• Another means of curbing alcohol abuse is to regulate outlets properly, to ensure they trade responsibly. Authorities should resist the temptation to restrict numbers of outlets, but, equally, ensure those that are trading, do so properly. (Business Day, p.32 in R)

• FAS should not be confused with FASD … . (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, p.50 in R)


Compiling a personal vocabulary list from the literature to use in your LR

• Research /findings• Factors• Policies / policy• Prevalence / prevalent• Comparable • Information• Vital• Preventive interventions• Exposure• Predisposition• Survey

• Acceptability• Availability• Effective• Potential• Assisting / assistance• Process • Multi-faceted• Integrate• Deterrent• Self-perpetuating • Cycle• Complex

literature review academic language conventions compiled and presented by ms a coetzer language...

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