The culture(s) of the technical communicator

Abstract

The role of the technical communication practitioner stems from the need for members from two distinct professions to connect; for example, engineers have created some new technology, and users who are (assumedly) unfamiliar with the technology want or need to understand that technology. The article presents an interface between the two professions which proposes a reconceptualization of the relationship between technicians/engineers and users. This reconceptualization can and should be provided by technical communicators who create a culture which encompasses both the technician and the user. In addition, this reconceptualization parallels the means originally proposed by C. P. Snow (1959) to mend the rift between the sciences and the humanities.

Journal
IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published
2002-06-01
DOI
10.1109/tpc.2002.1003696
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

References (7) · 3 in this index

  1. 10.1126/science.130.3373.419
  2. 10.1086/447972
  3. A History of Reading
  4. Making Sense: Constructing Knowledge in the Arts and Sciences
  5. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Show all 7 →
  1. College Composition and Communication
  2. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication