Globalizing Writing Studies: The Case of U.S. Technical Communication Textbooks

Written Communication Apr 2011

Globalizing Writing Studies: The Case of U.S. Technical Communication Textbooks

Aya Matsuda Arizona State University ; Paul Kei Matsuda Arizona State University

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world, writing courses, situated as they are in local institutional and rhetorical contexts, need to prepare writers for global writing situations. Taking introductory technical communication in the United States as a case study, this article describes how and to what extent global perspectives are incorporated into writing. Based on an analysis of eight textbooks and a closer analysis of four of them, we illustrate the representation of technical communication and communicators as well as multiculturalism and multilingualism in these textbooks and point out the limitations vis-à-vis the cultural and linguistic complexity of global technical communication in today’s world. We conclude by considering implications for U.S. college composition as it continues to contribute to the international discourse of writing studies.

Journal: Written Communication
Published: 2011-04-01
DOI: 10.1177/0741088311399708
Open Access: Closed
Topics: qualitative research technical communication multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

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Technical Communication Quarterly

Also cites 6 works outside this index ↓

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CrossRef global citation count: 7 View in citation network →