\u2018Pomposity\u2019, \u2018flowery diction\u2019, \u2018over-writing\u2019, \u2018fine writing\u2019 are just some of the terms used to describe the common mistake of using big, unfamiliar words where more simple, familiar ones would be most appropriate to the subject and the audience.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, we may have to use \u2018jargon\u2019, and \u2018jargon\u2019 refers to the technical expressions that grow up in most fields. It is a specialist language used by a particular group, profession, or culture, especially when the words and phrases are not understood or used by other people. Of course, \u2018jargon\u2019 has also a derogatory definition, meaning pretentious or meaningless language.<\/p>\n
For example, in the field of education, we have the following educational jargons: \u2018a learning facilitator\u2019 which represents \u2018a teacher\u2019; \u2018a learning resource centre\u2019 for \u2018a library\u2019; \u2018economically deprived persons\u2019 for \u2018 poor persons\u2019; \u2018experiential approach\u2019 for \u2018learning by experience\u2019.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, the words are chosen for their \u2018euphemism\u2019, that is, the use of a mild or indirect expression instead of one that is harsh or unpleasant. For example, \u2018people who are mentally challenged\u2019 for \u2018mad people or imbeciles or idiots\u2019; \u2018people who are physically challenged\u2019 for \u2018lame persons\u2019.<\/p>\n
However, there are times words are chosen only to give \u2018a technical tinge\u2019 to \u2018non-technical writing\u2019. For example: \u2018We shall try to ameliorate the situation\u2019 for \u2018we shall try to improve the situation\u2019. Some people even write (wrongly): \u2018We shall try to ameliorate the problem\u2019. \u2018We have to endeavour to reach you\u2019 for \u2018We have to try to reach you\u2019. \u2018This is referred for your perusal\u2019 for \u2018This is referred for your study\u2019 (OR \u2018\u2026 for you to read\u2019).<\/p>\n
\u2018The painting was exhibited in the hall\u2019 for \u2018The painting was shown in the hall\u2019. \u2018You may initiate action\u2019 for \u2018You may start action\u2019. \u2018You should utilize your spare time properly\u2019 for \u2018you should use your spare time properly\u2019. Sometimes, we miss the meaning of such \u2018big words\u2019 and mix them up in our sentences. For example, \u2018to plummet\u2019 may seem like \u2018climbing to the summit or reaching the climax or apogee\u2019; however, it means \u2018(to cause) to drop, fall or plunge rapidly\u2019, for example: \u2018Oil prices have plummeted from $100 a barrel to $80 a barrel\u2019. \u2018The cordial relations between the U.S.A and Iraq plummeted unto hostility\u2019.<\/p>\n
In the Republic v. Quansah (1968) GLR, 236, a State Attorney charged Quansah \u201cguilty of extortion, that is, by demanding or obtaining under colour of his office\u201d. Justice Archer, sitting as a High Court Judge in Cape Coast remarked: \u201cIf the prosecution prefer to adorn the particulars of offence with innocuous verbiage, my attitude would be to refuse to see or admire the adornment\u201d. Justice Archer thought \u201cunder colour of his office\u201d was unnecessary; the prosecution had decided to \u2018embellish\u2019 the offence or to \u2018colour\u2019 it.<\/p>\n
Your \u2018secretary\u2019 to whom you entrust private or secret matters and one whose duty is to conduct the correspondence or organize your affairs may be called \u2018an amanuensis\u2019 or \u2018a dactylographer\u2019.<\/p>\n
A \u2018labyrinthine path\u2019 may be tortuous (NOT: tortious, meaning wrongful, injurious, pertaining to a tort in law). It may also be sinuous, serpentine, zigzag or circuitous.<\/p>\n
\u2018Tintinnabulation\u2019 is (the sound of) tinkling jewelry (OR jewellery) especially on dancers, but the chime of the dancers could titillate a serpent (or the sound of the dancers could excite a snake)<\/p>\n
In a tribute to Professor Adu Boahen (Kontopinat), Cameron Duodu wrote (The Ghanaian Times: June 6, 2006): \u201cAdu Boahen carried his political awareness into his later life, and moved so much that one wonders where he found the time and energy to do his research and write his books. He was obstreperous and those small feet of his could be found everywhere \u2026 He was a human dynamo- writing, cajoling, denouncing or recruiting politicians; joining others; planning and executing strategies, and generally appearing never to be satisfied with anything\u201d.<\/p>\n
In another tribute to Professor Adu Boahen, Nana Akufo-Addo wrote in the Daily Graphic of July 30, 2006: \u201cNo valediction of Adu-Boahen can be complete without mention of his deep admiration of the life and works of Ghanaian colossus, Joseph Boakye Danquah. His compilation and editing of Danquah\u2019s works and letters in \u2018The Ghanaian Establishment\u2019 were a true labour of love that has left posterity an invaluable insight into the ideas, thoughts and reflections of the man who gave our nation her name and who above all provided the foundation and inspiration for her freedom\u201d. On the fifth anniversary of the death of Prof. Emeritus Adu Boahen, we join all well-wishers in saying \u2018Adieu\u2019 Prof.<\/p>\n
In \u201cIt is a long haul for education\u201d (Daily Graphic; April 23, 2007), good old K. B. Asante helps us to understand the word \u2018senile\u2019 better and quoting from BBC World English Dictionary, says: \u201cIf old people become senile, they become confused or mentally ill and are unable to look after themselves\u201d. Old age, by itself, does not portray senility or senescence.<\/p>\n
It is not wrong to know and use \u2018big\u2019 or \u2018unfamiliar\u2019 words. As Aldous Huxley notes: \u201cWords form the thread on which we string our experiences. Without them, we should live spasmodically and intermittently\u201d.<\/p>\n
But before you use any \u2018unfamiliar\u2019 word, be sure you understand fully its meaning and appropriateness in a given context.<\/p>\n
In his book \u2018Legislative Drafting\u2019, VCRAC Crabbe advises Parliamentary Counsel (always singular NOT: Parliamentary Counsels) thus: \u201cWhere a word has the same meaning as a phrase, it is better to use the word rather than the phrase\u201d. He urges them to be \u2018direct, simple, brief, vigorous and lucid\u2019. He advises them to (a) prefer the familiar word to the uncommon; (b) prefer the concrete word to the abstract; (c) prefer the single word to the circumlocution; (d) prefer the short word to the long; (e) prefer the Anglo-Saxon word to the Romance. If you want people to admire your writing, \u2018kiss\u2019 your words (keep them sweet). Why? You never know when you may have to eat them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n