What is the importance of using proper language in teaching science?

[Pallavi]

Hello there,
My intention behind joining this forum was to ask some doubts that may help me academically as I am a science student. I would also like to learn more on this platform.
With regards.
Pallavi

 

[phinds]

Hey, Pallavi, welcome to the forum.

Just FYI, "doubt" does not mean what you think it means. You mean "question", not doubt.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=607274

 

[berkeman]

Just FYI, "doubt" does not mean what you think it means. You mean "question", not doubt.

Yes, but it's a common enough translation that we have learned to live with it.

@Pallavi -- Welcome to the PF!

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hey, Pallavi, welcome to the forum.

Just FYI, "doubt" does not mean what you think it means. You mean "question", not doubt.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=607274

"doubts" in the subject line is correct usage, nonetheless.

"Ask some doubts" could well be local idiom resulting from a misheard "air some doubts".

 

[phinds]

Yes, but it's a common enough translation that we have learned to live with it.

Yeah I know, and I generally bite my tongue but being the grammar Nazi that I am, I am not always able to restrain myself

@Pallavi, all this wrangling about a word is trivial compared to the excellence you will find here on PF. Again, welcome to the forum.

 

[berkeman]

LOL

 

[Evo]

When you "doubt" something, you are stating that you don't believe or don't trust.

When you have a "question" you are wanting an answer or information.

It's obvious that the OP meant question. We all know that in India they are incorrectly teaching students to use doubt instead of question. There was a link given in another thread to the (reddit, I believe) discussion that linked to the actual textbook that showed the inaccurate translation and the refusal to correct it. I think it is helpful that we correct people's English, as long as it is done in a friendly, helpful manner. It can only benefit them.

 

[Pallavi]

Yeah I know, and I generally bite my tongue but being the grammar Nazi that I am, I am not always able to restrain myself

View attachment 233027

@Pallavi, all this wrangling about a word is trivial compared to the excellence you will find here on PF. Again, welcome to the forum.

Well I would just like to ask for some help.
Anyways thanks for correcting me.I know my English is really bad.Actually bad is an understatement.But in our school we refer to every question that arises in our mind regarding the subject as doubts so I just ended up asking the same thing.
Regards,
Pallavi.

 

[phinds]

I know my English is really bad

Pallavi, this is a science forum. You are not supposed to make false statements

Your English seems quite good to me.

 

[Pallavi]

When you "doubt" something, you are stating that you don't believe or don't trust.

When you have a "question" you are wanting an answer or information.

It's obvious that the OP meant question. We all know that in India they are incorrectly teaching students to use doubt instead of question. There was a link given in another thread to the (reddit, I believe) discussion that linked to the actual textbook that showed the inaccurate translation and the refusal to correct it. I think it is helpful that we correct people's English, as long as it is done in a friendly, helpful manner. It can only benefit them.

I understand your point but the opinion that in India they are not using proper English to teach is a little rude according to me. Please make sure that whatever you post does not hurt anybody.

 

[Pallavi]

Pallavi, this is a science forum. You are not supposed to make false statements

Your English seems quite good to me.

Thank you.

 

[phinds]

I understand your point but the opinion that in India they are not using proper English to teach is a little rude according to me. Please make sure that whatever you post does not hurt anybody.

Pallavi, to repeat what I said in the previous post, this is a science forum. Factual statements are not intended to be "hurtful" and if they are, that is in the eye of the beholder, not something intended. It IS a fact that it's incorrect to teach that "doubt" means "question"

 

[berkeman]

I think it's time to close this thread. Each party has made their point well.

 

[Evo]

I understand your point but the opinion that in India they are not using proper English to teach is a little rude according to me. Please make sure that whatever you post does not hurt anybody.

If we were afraid that anything we said to help correct something someone here was doing wrong, (we try to help students learn here), we would never post anything.

As long as something is posted without being mean or using harsh words, then you should take it as it is intended, as being helpful. That is another beneficial lesson you should learn if you wish to work well with others. I am sorry you were offended, but no offense was intended.