Essential Academic Vocabulary and Communication Skills

Posted on Oct 5, 2025 in Teaching & Education

University and Academic Vocabulary

Unit 1: Academic Life Terminology

1. Key Vocabulary Terms

Yearn
Ansiar, anhelar (often used with yearn for + noun).
Wisdom
Sabiduría (wise = sabio, adjective).
Nothing worth knowing
Nada que valga la pena conocer.
Jingle
Tintinear o melodía de un spot publicitario.
To set aside
Dedicar un tiempo o espacio a algo, apartarlo, colocarlo, etc.
To enhance
Mejorar.
Mull it over
Darle vueltas (to consider carefully).
Hand in
Entregar (to submit).

Academic Degrees and Levels

  • First Degree (Undergraduate Degree): E.g., a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).
  • Further Degrees (Postgraduate or Graduate Degrees): E.g., a Master’s (M.A.) or a Doctorate (PhD).
  • Core courses: Obligatorias.
  • Elective / Optional courses: Optativas.
  • An internship: Una pasantía.
  • A practicum (U.S.) or placement (U.K.): Prácticas.

Student Year Designations

  1. 1st Year: Freshman
  2. 2nd Year: Sophomore
  3. 3rd Year: Junior
  4. 4th Year: Senior

Alternative descriptions: second-year student, four-year degree program, in my second year, is a senior, taking freshman statistics.

Application and Enrollment Terms

Apply (Solicitar)
I applied to Columbia University. / I applied for admission to Columbia University. / I applied for a job at Comillas.
Admission/Acceptance
I’ve been admitted to the University of Texas. / I’ve been accepted at the University of Texas. / I got into Boston College.
Taking a Subject
I’m taking Social Psychology (the subject) this year.
Enrolled in / Registered for
Matricularse en.
Enrollment / Registration
Matrícula.

Campus and Academic Facilities

  • Lecture: Charla, conferencia.
  • Seminar: Seminario.
  • Tutorial: Tutoría.
  • Residence hall: Residencia universitaria.
  • Lecture hall: Salón de conferencias.
  • Registrar’s office: Secretaría.
  • Curriculum: Plan de estudios.
  • Transcript: Expediente académico.
  • Diploma: Diploma, título.
  • Syllabus: Programa (course outline).

Graduation Terminology

  • She will graduate with a degree in philosophy.
  • He graduated from Boston University.
  • He’s a graduate of Boston University.

2. Academic Word Formation

Structure: 1. Noun | 2. Noun-Person | 3. Adjective | 4. Adverb

  • Psychology | Psychologist | Psychological | Psychologically
  • Sociology | Sociologist | Sociological | Sociologically
  • Neurology | Neurologist | Neurological | Neurologically
  • Criminology | Criminologist | Criminological | Criminologically
  • Science | Scientist | Scientific | Scientifically
  • Philosophy | Philosopher | Philosophic | Philosophically
  • Analysis | Analyst | Analytical | Analytically

3. Academic Subjects (Asignaturas)

  • Research Methods in Psychology: Metodología de Investigación en Psicología.
  • Data Analysis in Psychology Research: Análisis de datos en la Investigación en Psicología.
  • Christianity and Social Ethics: Cristianismo y Ética Social.
  • Cognitive Behavior Theory and Practice: Teoría y práctica cognitivo-conductual.
  • Theory of Knowledge: Teoría del Conocimiento.

4. Common Mistakes and False Friends

Assist vs. Attend
Assist: Ayudar, asistir a alguien. / Attend: Asistir a un sitio, a clase, por ejemplo.
Coursing
Incorrect translation for cursando. Use: doing or studying.
Title
Incorrect translation for título (academic qualification). Use: bachelor, undergraduate degree, or bachelor degree.
Notes
Incorrect translation for notas (academic scores). Use: grades or marks.
Hyphenated Adjectives
Remember to use hyphens and avoid pluralization when forming compound adjectives: a four-year program degree, a twenty-euro dress, a two-hour class, a six-year-old cousin.
Student’s formation
Incorrect translation for formación. Use: training.
Work
Incorrect translation for trabajo de clase. Use: project or assignment.
Career vs. Degree
Career: Profesión. / Degree: Carrera, grado (academic program).
Course vs. Year
Course: Curso (e.g., a music course). / Year: Año, curso escolar (academic year).

5. US vs. UK Academic Terminology

  • Analyse (UK) / Analyze (US)
  • To practise (v) / Practice (n) (UK) vs. To practice (v) / Practice (n) (US)
  • Advice (n) / Advise (v) (Standard usage in both US and UK)

Unit 2: Communication Skills Terminology

1. Communication Styles

1.1. The Assertive Style (Estilo de Comunicación Asertivo)

Characteristics of assertive communication:

  • Expresses feelings and opinions openly.
  • Asks directly for needs to be met.
  • Respectful of others.
  • Calm demeanor.
  • Confident.
  • Relaxed body language, open hands.
  • Regular eye contact.
  • Leads to being respected and listened to.