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What Is Jargon Speech?

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Summary

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Jargon speech is a type of language that only experts in a specific field can understand. It uses special words or phrases that most people wouldn’t know. This type of speech can make it difficult for children to understand what is being said.

Frequently Asked Question

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Why is jargon speech used?

Jargon speech is used to convey complex or technical information in a concise and efficient manner among people who have similar backgrounds and knowledge. It helps to simplify communication and reduce misunderstandings.

How does jargon speech affect children's understanding?

Jargon speech can be difficult for children to understand and may cause confusion, especially if they are not familiar with the terms being used. It is important for adults to communicate with children in a way that is accessible and understandable to their developmental level.

When is it appropriate to use jargon speech?

Jargon speech is appropriate in professional settings, such as business meetings or academic conferences, where experts are communicating with one another. It is not appropriate in everyday conversation with people who are not familiar with the terms being used.

Scientific Definition

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Jargon speech is a type of language that is only understood by people who are knowledgeable or experienced in a particular field. For example, a doctor might use medical jargon when talking to another doctor, but a regular person would need help understanding what they were talking about. This type of speech can be confusing for children, especially if they need to gain experience in that field. Jargon speech can also be used in other areas like sports, technology, or politics. Children need to understand that only some use the exact words or phrases and that some terms might only be used by people in specific jobs or industries. Suppose a child is ever unsure what a word means. In that case, asking for an explanation is okay so they can better understand the conversation.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Jargon Speech

Meet Susie, a curious and imaginative child who loves learning new things. One day, Susie overheard her mom and dad discussing their work, but their conversation was filled with strange words she didn’t understand. It was as if they were speaking a secret language! Intrigued, Susie decided to investigate and discovered the concept of jargon speech.

  • Susie’s parents, both engineers, were discussing “CAD drawings” and “structural integrity” over dinner. She felt left out and confused.
  • Susie approached her parents, asking what those terms meant. They explained that “CAD drawings” are detailed computer designs, and “structural integrity” refers to how strong and stable a building or object is.
  • Susie realized that jargon speech helps experts communicate more efficiently within their fields, but it can be challenging for others to understand.
  • Inspired, Susie decided to create a jargon decoder booklet, where she researched and explained jargon words she encountered in various subjects like science, sports, and technology.
  • Susie’s friends loved her jargon decoder and found it helpful. They started using it to decode unfamiliar words and understand conversations better.

In Susie’s story, she learned that jargon speech can feel like a secret code, but with curiosity and a desire to learn, she turned it into an opportunity to help others understand complex concepts.

How Does Jargon Speech Work?

Jargon speech involves using specialized language within specific fields, making it challenging for outsiders to understand. Let’s explore how it works with a few examples.

  • Medicine: Doctors may use terms like “myocardial infarction” instead of “heart attack” when conversing with colleagues.
  • Technology: IT professionals might discuss “APIs” (Application Programming Interfaces) or “encryption” to describe specific technical concepts.
  • Finance: In the financial world, you may encounter jargon like “ROI” (Return on Investment) or “dividends” when discussing investment strategies.
  • Sports: Different sports have their own jargon, such as “home run” in baseball or “offside” in soccer, which have specific meanings within those contexts.

Jargon speech is prevalent in various fields, ranging from medicine and technology to finance and sports. It’s important to be aware of this specialized language and its impact on communication. Goally, our tablet, helps kids with Jargon Speech by offering fun apps that build life and language skills. From digital visual schedules to AAC and gamified learning, our apps teach communication, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social skills.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 10, 2023. It was updated on July 12, 2023.