What does the term 'academic language' encompass in ESOL education?

The term 'academic language' encompasses specialized vocabulary and formal structures essential for understanding and engaging with content across various academic disciplines. This type of language is characterized by its complexity and specificity, often requiring students to master not just words but also the way language is used in formal writing and speaking contexts. Students must be able to comprehend and produce academic texts, which frequently include nuanced vocabulary, discipline-specific terms, and formal syntactic structures that differ significantly from everyday conversational language.

In ESOL education, supporting students in acquiring academic language is critical for their success in school settings, as it enables them to participate fully in classroom discussions, understand textbooks, and complete assignments that require higher-order thinking skills. By focusing on this specialized language, educators can help students bridge the gap between their conversational language skills and the demands of academic performance.