When is the Appropriate Time to Use ‘Figurative Words’ in Scientific Work
Background
Scientific papers are written and compiled involving various systematic stages. From there, it is hoped that it can produce research that is tested and can be used, both by the researcher and the community outside the agency.
The purpose of creating scientific work is none other than as a means of disseminating research results to a larger group. This is usually related to the interests of various parties.
The linguistic rules of scientific work usually use standard grammar. The aim is so that readers can find out the results of the research written more easily.
However, why scientific work actually does not fully meet the requirements for standard language. The use of words with broad meanings, such as figures of speech, is often found in scientific works.
Sentences are the prima donna in language studies,…
For example, the use of the word ‘prima donna’ refers to a broad meaning.
Quoted by the author through the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), the word ‘primadona’ means:
- the first or main female singer in an opera performance
- the most important female actor (in a theatrical performance); prima donna
- the girl (woman) who is the most beautiful, liked, admired, etc., in her environment
- the most important, important, etc. (for example about merchandise:
In the past, rubber was the prima donna of this area)
If you break it down, the meaning of ‘prima donna’ in the sentence fragment above is more or less: ‘The sentence is considered the most important, important, and frequently researched in language studies’.
One figurative word form written above produces four meanings (as described).
Problem
Is the use of figurative words in scientific work a form of error? Or is it actually needed to simplify an object in scientific work?
Figures of speech are actually used in scientific works. This aims to refine complex (abstract) ideas so they are simpler to read.
As in the example above, the word prima donna simplifies the concept of a sentence which is very important in language studies.
Does that mean researchers can write figurative words at any time in scientific work?
Not really.
According to various sources, apparently there is a certain context for using figurative words in scientific work.
When is the right time to use figurative words in scientific work?
The right time to use figurative words in scientific work is when the writer is writing the foreword.
Why?
Referring to the definition of foreword, which means the researcher’s opening statement before the detailed and detailed results of his research are presented.
In the foreword, the author tries to convey ideas and research results to the reader.
To realize this goal, researchers can simplify abstract things to make them more ‘familiar’, or ‘easily captured and remembered’ by readers.
The final word
Allusions are widely used in non-scientific works, such as imaginative literature.
Fiction writers usually use figures of speech to enrich their readers vocabulary and to beautify the content of their essays.
Both scientific and non-scientific writers have the same goal, namely wanting their content or ideas to be conveyed well and precisely to the reader.[*]
