Navigating the Challenge of Academic Writing in Your Third or Fourth Language
Leveraging Generative AI for Clarity and Precision
Jenn's note: For years, I have wanted someone to write a guest post in PNP about writing in languages other than your first. When I heard Muniza's story, I knew it would speak to many of my dear readers, and she graciously agreed to write it.
In 2010, during the final stretch of my doctoral studies in France, I encountered an unexpected challenge. As part of the thesis submission process, I had to submit my work for pre-review to the jury members. One chapter, in particular, attracted the scrutiny of the members, a distinguished British economist. I had devoted four years to researching and writing this piece, believing it to be both well-crafted and worthy of respect.
But what I received was a harsh blow to my confidence. The economist's feedback was nothing short of disheartening. He questioned whether my academic English met acceptable standards, suggesting that my writing bore the hallmarks of a "Pakistani style English." This comment was a shock.
For 16 years, I had navigated academia without any critique of my English expression. While I was aware of the differences in academic standards between Pakistan and Europe, I never imagined my writing would be judged as inadequate. This revelation marked the start of an uphill battle to align with European academic writing norms.
Living in Paris during the early 2000s, I quickly realized that language learning wasn't my forte. As my peers effortlessly picked up conversational French, I struggled for months to grasp its nuances and fluency. The criticism of my English writing only amplified my frustration and shattered my already fragile confidence—especially as I stood on the verge of completing my doctorate.
The jury member's casual yet poignant remark cut deep, pushing me to seek assistance. It was my father, with his studies in English literature, who helped me edit my thesis and ensured it met the required academic standards for submission. This time it did go through without much criticism.
Writing and Thinking in Third and Fourth Languages
This experience lingered with me, casting a shadow over my writing journey for years as I wrestled with self-doubt. The criticism I received during my doctoral studies uncovered a fundamental truth about my linguistic process: I often thought in my native languages, Urdu and Punjabi, before translating my thoughts into English and French, which were essentially my third and fourth languages.
This mental juggling act created a complex web that made writing particularly challenging. The differences between Urdu and English go beyond mere vocabulary; they extend to grammar and expressions that don't neatly translate, especially within the strict confines of academic standards. This disconnect added another layer of complexity to an already difficult task.
The experience took a toll on my confidence in academic writing. It wasn't long before I began to dread writing assignments, fearing a relapse of the frustration and stress I had endured during my thesis writing. As a result, I went to great lengths to avoid any writing tasks. If circumstances forced me to submit an assignment at work, I relied heavily on my partner or paid editing services to ensure the language met professional standards.
Avoiding writing had become my shield against discomfort, but it also hindered my growth. It wasn't until a recent work challenge that I was forced to confront these fears, leading to newfound resilience and an appreciation for technology's role in overcoming personal and professional hurdles.
Disclaimer: This piece advocates for using generative AI to enhance copyediting and clarity, rather than to generate ideas. Please review your institution’s and target publication’s policies on GenAI usage to ensure compliance with their guidelines.
Turning to Technology
The challenge involved preparing a dossier for the 2024 academic promotion cycle at my workplace. I had to craft detailed narratives about my teaching, research, and service to the institution. Given my past struggles with writing, the task seemed daunting. It triggered anxiety and brought back memories of previous difficulties, leaving me searching online for writing aids and solutions.
Overcoming self-inhibiting psychological blocks, or schemas, is one of the toughest hurdles to cross efficiently. My past experiences had fostered an intense fear of failure and self-doubt, feelings exacerbated by my perfectionist tendencies. With the challenge's deadline just a month away, I debated hiring an editor or seeking a colleague's support. Meanwhile, I yearned for a technological tool that aligned with my thoughts and expressions—something reliable, even at odd hours. I'd heard about ChatGPT at my institution and wondered if it could be the solution I needed.
Technology has always fascinated me. Since joining the business school in 2019, I've used various tech tools to connect with students around the clock, enhancing both live and on-demand learning experiences. Tools like in-class polls, instant quizzes and results, and personalized feedback have helped me quickly understand and adapt to class dynamics, improving my teaching methods.
Curiosity and frustration drove me to experiment with generative AI (GenAI). I had no experience with coding or crafting prompts, but I had a clear idea of the outcome I wanted. My critical side did influence me at times, and it questioned the ethics of this route—was it permissible to use AI for writing tasks akin to hiring an editor?
Yet, my intrigue overshadowed these concerns, and I proceeded with my exploration.
Disclaimer: Before using any GenAI tool, be sure to review its privacy policy and terms of service to understand how your content may be used. Some generative AI tools train their models on user data, meaning your content could be used to improve the tool. They may also store your content for a set period or indefinitely.
A New World of Possibilities
What I discovered was fascinating; this venture into AI unveiled a new world of possibilities, turning a source of anxiety into an empowering tool. Embracing this innovation renewed my confidence, marking a significant step forward in my writing journey, culminating in a breakthrough moment.
Initially, my attempts were unpolished and lacked clarity, which meant I didn't achieve the desired results. However, with persistence and numerous alterations, I finally attained the clarity and precision I was seeking.
It's important to note that I used AI as a personal editor, available around the clock, to refine my drafts as often as needed. I did not rely on technology to write or produce the text on my behalf. This approach allowed me to maintain my authentic voice while enjoying the benefits of continuous improvement in my writing.
As I reflect on my journey from self-doubt to empowerment, one thing stands clear: embracing innovation doesn’t just solve problems; it unlocks new dimensions of personal growth. Generative AI has not only refined my writing but also restored my confidence in articulating my thoughts. It serves as a reminder that even the most daunting challenges can become stepping stones to success when approached with curiosity and persistence. Whether you're crafting academic narratives or refining everyday writing, let this tool be your ally in achieving clarity, precision, and impact.
After all, every story deserves to be told brilliantly—and with the right support, so does yours.
Muniza Askari is a behavioral economist based at a leading business school in Singapore. Her work explores decision-making under uncertainty, with a focus on integrating behavioral insights into real-world economic and business challenges.
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