The use of first-person in writing has always been a subject of contemplation for me, especially when I entered college and encountered professors who strongly discouraged it. Growing up, I had a deep love for writing because it provided me with a platform to express my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It was liberating to have this creative outlet within the confines of the school setting. However, as I progressed through my academic journey, I became acquainted with the various rules and regulations that govern writing at the academic level.
While I still enjoy writing, I’ve noticed that the academic papers I produce often feel like a synthesis of other people’s thoughts and ideas, rather than a genuine reflection of my own voice. In her article “I Need You to Say ‘I’: Why First Person Is Important in College,” Kate McKinney Maddalena explains the significance of using the first person in writing and how it can enhance the clarity of one’s message. Maddalena aptly argues that employing ‘I’ can help identify the author’s perspective, preventing readers from attributing paraphrased scholarly ideas to the author themselves (Maddalena, 2010).
Nevertheless, Maddalena cautions against overusing the first person and underscores the importance of discerning when and how to employ it effectively. It is crucial to recognize that the use of first-person is ill-advised in certain situations, such as when it is used sparingly, when the assignment merely necessitates a straightforward summary, or when composing a lab report for a science course.
I am pleased to see that discussions surrounding first-person writing have gained importance in academic settings. These conversations allow writers to reclaim ownership of their work and reinstate their unique voices as proficient authors.
If you wish to explore this topic further, I invite you to read my article, “Discourse, Literacy, and Education,” which delves into the importance of discourse in academic writing.
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