Understanding Scientific and Technical Texts: Key Features
Scientific and Technical Texts: An Introduction
Scientific and technical texts are a collection of writings produced within the major branches of knowledge, encompassing physical and natural sciences. These sciences study physical reality independent of human influence.
The primary purpose of these texts is to transmit established knowledge and new discoveries about the external world. The intended audience is often specialized, reflecting the complexity and constant advancements in science, which have led to the development of a distinct scientific and technical language with its own terminology.
General Characteristics
Scientific and technical texts generally share common characteristics:
- Objectivity: The subject matter is always external reality. These texts avoid personal opinions or feelings.
- Universality: Scientific concepts are universally applicable, as the facts they refer to are consistent for everyone. Classifications should have universal validity.
- Reviewability: Scientific knowledge is subject to constant revision due to ongoing advancements and changes in established statements.
- Verifiability: Research and results must be demonstrable and provable. Coherence and cohesion are essential.
- Clarity and Accuracy: These are paramount. Ambiguity must be avoided to ensure precise interpretation. Specialized vocabulary and monosemy contribute to clarity. Linguistic resources (definitions, clarifications) and non-linguistic elements (diagrams, graphs) are used to enhance understanding.
Structural Aspects: Organization of Ideas
Clarity and consistency are fundamental to the organization of ideas. These texts often adhere to conventional patterns:
- Scientific Demonstration: Introduction + Development + Conclusion.
- Explanation of Theories: Presents principles, facts, and scientific data in an orderly and clear manner.
- Technical Description: Explains the features of technological products, serving both scientific and didactic purposes.
- Technical Instructions: Found in drug leaflets and equipment manuals, these texts teach application and management in specific circumstances, emphasizing the imperative function.
Linguistic Aspects
Scientific-technical language is characterized by:
The language used corresponds to a formal level. Key features include:
- Use of symbols and formulas.
- Prevalence of abstract nouns.
- Verbs in the third person.
- Dominance of routine and established conventions.
- Simple sentence structures.
- Clear and precise phrasing.
- Use of impersonal sentences and passive voice.
- Highly specialized terminology.