Final answer:
The correct term for the more formal language used in academic discourse and text is 'd) Academic or formal language'. It contrasts with vernacular or colloquial language, which can reflect ethnic, social, or regional characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used for written or spoken language that is more stylistically formal than everyday conversational language and is often used in academic discourse and texts is d) Academic or formal language. This type of language is characterized by a clear, direct, and conventional usage of words and grammar, which is integral for scholarly communication and professional reporting.
Contrasting with informal vernacular language, which includes dialects associated with specific social categories like ethnicity, academic or formal language follows standardized grammar and vocabulary, thereby establishing a universal understanding across diverse academic and professional fields.
Researchers have shown that vernaculars, such as African American Vernacular English (AAE), are highly structured linguistic systems with regular grammatical patterns. However, when it comes to formal settings, such as classrooms and courtrooms, the appropriateness of dialects like AAE is often brought into question.
The standard dialect, often used by those with formal educations and in professional broadcasts, is seen as the default for formal communications. Proficient report writers and experts in professional fields frequently use specialized vocabulary to convey precise information among peers, although this technical language can be confusing to laypersons.