Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1983

A Primer on Tables and Figures

Alan G. Gross Purdue University Northwest

Abstract

Tables and figures arc an integral part of the medium of communication of science and technology. An analysis of tables and figures, relying heavily on Euclidean terms (point, line and plane) explains something of their power–their ability to display with clarity large amounts of data, complex data relationships, and intricate three-dimensional configurations. Analysis also clarifies the mutual dependence of tables and figures and their accompanying texts. Additionally, analysis makes clear the semantic gap between tables and graphs, on the one hand, and illustrations, on the other. All are equally vital strategies in scientific and technical discourse. However, tables and graphs are paralinguistic extensions of scientific and technical dialects; illustrations, on the other hand, are a nonlinguistic supplement to these dialects. Finally, analysis provides clues for the teaching of proper graphic choice, good graphic ‘grammar,’ and the appropriate contextualization of graphs.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1983-01-01
DOI
10.1177/004728168301300104
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Closed
Topics
discourse analysis teacher development grammar and mechanics
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Gross (1990)
    Extending the Expressive Power of Language: Tables, Graphs, and Diagrams
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Manning (1989)
    The Semantics of Technical Graphics
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Gross (1985)
    The Form of the Experimental Paper: A Realization of the Myth of Induction
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Gross (1984)
    Style and Arrangement in Scientific Prose: The Rules behind the Rules
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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