Academic lingo often differs from everyday language. Sometimes scholarly terminology even stumps experienced researchers. Fortunately, anyone can learn unfamiliar words or phrases. Language teachers use an easy acronym: FUMP (School for International Training [SIT], 2009). Remembering FUMP is a handy way to pump up one’s academic vocabulary.

‘F’ is for Form

The first aspect of knowing a word is recognizing its form. What does it look like on the page? What is the spelling? Writing vocabulary by hand takes advantage of the mind-body connection to commit that structure to memory. Handwriting stimulates brain regions responsible for learning and recollection (Hu, 2024). Hence, jotting a word on paper is a quick strategy to memorize its spelling.

 Part of speech is also crucial. In grammar, part of speech dictates sentence organization and influences form. For example, “significant,” an adjective, becomes “significantly” as an adverb. Though similar in meaning, each functions differently in a sentence, depending on spelling. Getting acquainted with a word’s various forms by consulting a dictionary can expand writing options, widen vocabulary, and deepen reading comprehension.

‘U’ is for Use

Fluency in academic language further requires proper use. While use relates closely to form, it relies on context and social conventions, or “appropriacy.” (SIT, 2009, p. 104). In other words, who uses the term? When and where does it typically appear? For instance, words like “genome” or “photosynthesis” are appropriate for science writers but pop up less frequently in business marketing discussions. Pinpointing field-specific language, therefore, may aid in determining the correct use.

‘M’ is for Meaning

Central to mastering any expression is defining it. However, truly grasping meaning goes beyond simple definition. Nushi and Jenabzadeh (2016) recommend considering opposites and similarities or antonyms and synonyms. To illustrate, if the reverse of “symptomatic” is “asymptomatic,” suitable matches for each could be “characteristic” and “uncharacteristic.” This way, listing similar and contrasting language solidifies mental connections between words, making multiple terms available for recall.

‘P’ is for Pronunciation

To better remember a word, researchers suggest saying it aloud. Known as “the production effect,” pronunciation strengthens the brain’s neural relationship to working memory (MacLeod & Bodner, 2017, p. 390). Since tools for pronouncing vocabulary are widely available in online dictionaries, vocalizing language is an easy trick to boost retention. It is especially beneficial for learning complex scholarly jargon with multiple syllables.

  FUMP Around

Along with attention to form, use, meaning, and pronunciation (FUMP), developing a broad and varied academic lexicon is contingent on practice. Language acquisition occurs through authentic interaction (Nagy & Herman, 2014). This means trying out expressions in writing or conversation. Consciously seeking knowledge guarantees the most success. One starting point could be this list of commonly used academic terms compiled by Paquot (2010), a well-known linguist. For feedback on language use, Purdue Global students can meet with writing tutors or submit work for review in PG411. The key to growing a robust academic vocabulary is to keep FUMPing around!

References

Hu, C. (2024). Hands-on: Writing by hand comes with learning benefits. Scientific American, 330(5), 13. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0524-13

MacLeod, C. & Bodner, G. (2017). The production effect in memory. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(4), 390-395. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721417691356

Nagy, W. E., & Herman, P. A. (2014). Breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge: Implications for acquisition and instruction. In M. G. McKeown & M. E. Curtis (Eds.), The nature of vocabulary acquisition (1st ed., pp. 19-35). Psychology Press.

Nushi, M., & Jenabzadeh, H. (2016). Teaching and learning academic vocabulary. California Linguistic Notes, 40(2), 51-70.

Paquot, M. (2010). Academic keyword list. https://www.uefap.com/vocab/select/akl.htm

School for International Training. (2009). SIT TESOL certificate course. In The Center for Teacher Education, Training and Research of World Learning (Ed.), The language module (pp. 36-63). World Learning SIT Graduate Institute.