Technical Communication Quarterly Sep 1998

Masters, slaves, and infant mortality: Language challenges for technical editing

Heather Brodie Graves DePaul University ; Roger Graves DePaul University

Abstract

In this article we explore how some contemporary language usage presents challenges for technical editing. Drawing on scholarship in the rhetoric of science and in critical linguistics, we argue that language does affect our perception of reality. Consequently, the language used in some technical documents needs to be reconsidered or even challenged by technical editors. Present textbooks on technical editing do not directly confront this issue, though some scholars have begun to challenge the use of terms such as “studgun.”; We conclude by demonstrating how a critical analysis of metaphors in everyday technical documents would help students question these language choices and draw attention to the consequences of using them.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
1998-09-01
DOI
10.1080/10572259809364639
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
rhetorical criticism affect and writing
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Schreiber (2025)
    Inclusive and Accessible Technical Editing in the Classroom and Workplace
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Winkle (2024)
    Between the Lines: Visual Euphemism in Technical and Professional Communication…
    Communication Design Quarterly
  3. Smith (2023)
    Corpus Linguistics and Technical Editing: How Corpora Can Help Copy Editors Ado…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Ramey (2014)
    The Coffee Planter of Saint Domingo:A Technical Manual for the Caribbean Slave Owner
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Gibson (2008)
    Analogy in Scientific Argumentation
    Technical Communication Quarterly

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CrossRef global citation count: 8 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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