‘Khaki No Be Leather’:  A  Writer’s Guide To Avoiding The Pitfalls Of Journalese

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

Khaki Nor Be Leather effectively distinguishes between journalese and essay writing, two forms of communication that are frequently confused. While both use the written word as a medium, they differ significantly in style, purpose, and audience engagement. Journalese is designed for sharp, clear, and immediate news delivery, with a focus on facts and conciseness to keep the public informed quickly. In contrast, essay writing allows for a more nuanced exploration of ideas, providing depth, reflection, and personal insights. Understanding this distinction is critical for anyone wishing to master the art of writing in each individual context.

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, where the distinctions between different types of writing are frequently blurred, it is critical to recognise that journalese and essay writing are not synonymous. Both writing styles serve distinct purposes, address different audiences, and follow different rules of engagement. While they may appear to be similar on the surface, the differences are significant, and understanding these distinctions is critical to mastering each craft.

To be clear, journalese is a specialised form of writing that is commonly used in journalism. It is distinguished by a concise, punchy, and frequently sensational style intended to capture the reader’s attention quickly. Every word is important in journalism because space is limited and attention spans are short. Journalese is typically written in plain language, with the goal of conveying the most important information in the shortest amount of time.

Headlines are often excellent examples of journalese in action. They are written to be catchy, engaging, and occasionally provocative in order to draw the reader in. Journalists frequently use phrases like “breaking news,” “exclusive,” or “scandal” to convey urgency and importance. The goal is to provide readers with the most important facts, often with a sense of urgency, in order to keep them informed about current events.

In contrast, essay writing is a more reflective and analytical form of writing. Essays allow the writer to delve deeply into a topic, presenting arguments, analysing evidence, and frequently reaching a well-reasoned conclusion. Unlike journalese, which is often brief and to the point, essays can be lengthy, allowing the writer to develop ideas and engage in nuanced discussions.

Essays require a formal tone and a systematic approach. They frequently start with an introduction that sets the tone for the discussion, followed by a body that delves into the main points, and end with a summary or a call to action. Essays are typically written in more sophisticated language, with more detail and elaboration. This style allows for a more in-depth examination of complex issues, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

One of the most significant distinctions between journalese and essay writing is the intended audience and purpose. Journalese is aimed at a broad audience seeking quick, digestible information. It is intended to inform, entertain, or elicit a response in a short period of time. Essay writing, on the other hand, is intended for readers who are willing to devote time to reading and reflecting on a specific topic.

Another significant difference is in the structure and language. Journalese is frequently fragmented, with short sentences and paragraphs intended to make information easily scannable. Essay writing, on the other hand, adheres to a more traditional structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions that lead the reader through a logical progression of ideas.

In fact, the tones of each are significantly different. Journalese can be informal, even colloquial, in order to appeal to a wide audience. Essays, on the other hand, maintain a formal tone while using a more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

The reason for expressing this opinion is a growing trend in which many people, seemingly because of their ability to speak highfalutin English and their confidence in writing, believe they can easily report news, write features, and even outperform trained journalists. Such people frequently project a sense of superiority, especially when they request a journalist’s draft copy before it is published. This behaviour can be not only derogatory but also offensive to the journalism profession.

It is critical to emphasise that any journalist who agrees to such a request is acting unethically. Journalism is a profession with its own set of standards, and allowing non-journalists to dictate or revise editorial content undermines the craft’s integrity. These people should be reminded that journalese and essay writing are not the same thing.

In fact, understanding the distinction between journalese and essay writing is critical for anyone who writes, whether they are a journalist, a student, or a professional writer. Mixing the two styles can create confusion, weaken your argument, and reduce the impact of your writing. Each style serves a different purpose, and mastering both enables you to communicate effectively in a variety of situations.

Regardless, while both journalese and essay writing are effective modes of communication, they are not interchangeable. Journalese is intended for brief, impactful communication in a fast-paced media environment, whereas essay writing allows for in-depth analysis and reflection. Recognising the distinctions between the two can help you become a more adaptable and effective writer, capable of reaching different audiences with the appropriate style and tone. Above all, it is critical to respect the boundaries of journalistic integrity and keep journalese distinct from other types of writing.