Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1997

A Phonological Reading Model for Technical Communicators

Bradford R. Connatser

Abstract

When people read silently, they unconsciously translate what they read into a speech-like code that facilitates word identification and the creation of meaning. This article examines that phenomenon—known as silent speech—based upon the published research of cognitive psychologists and psycholinguists. The author develops a phonological model of reading based upon published results of experimental investigators to determine the relationship between cognition and silent speech. The author then applies the model to technical communication. The applications include the use of punctuation, pronouns, and abbreviations, as well as introducing new words, writing to satisfy the speech instinct, cultivating a human voice, and revising technical documents.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1997-01-01
DOI
10.2190/lxtc-8xul-u9yk-nbdj
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Topics
modern rhetorical theory technical communication grammar and mechanics
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Cibangu (2009)
    Oral Communication and Technical Writing: A Reconsideration of Writing in a Mul…
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  2. Connatser (2007)
    Two Centuries of Progress in Technical Communication
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Connatser (1999)
    Last Rites for Readability Formulas in Technical Communication
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Connatser (1997)
    The Evolution of the Speech Instinct in Silent Reading: Implications for Techni…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Connatser (1997)
    The Evolution of the Speech Instinct in Silent Reading: Implications for Techni…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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