Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1983

Teaching Technical Writing to Non-Native Speakers of English

Ernest J. Parkin Husson University

Abstract

Teaching technical writing to non-native speakers of English is complicated by their special needs. Central to the discussion is the idea that expository writing ought to be a key element of any program purporting to teach English. The nature of proper preparatory training is discussed with specific reference to the language groups American trainers are likely to encounter working in the U.S. or abroad. The justification for specific practices is discussed and should enable instructors to develop further strategies for training. Once the preparatory work is completed, effective technical writing instruction for non-native trainees requires modification of a good program for native speakers. Training is most effective if material is presented in culturally familiar and intellectually compatible ways.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1983-01-01
DOI
10.1177/004728168301300101
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Topics
writing pedagogy teacher development technical communication multilingual writers
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References (7) · 1 in this index

  1. BoyanD. R. (ed.), Open Doors, Institute of International Education, New York, p. 2, 1981.
  2. 10.2307/3585556
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  3. Selinker et al. (1974)
    Formal Written Communication and ESL
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. 10.2307/3586449
     ↗
  5. 10.2307/3585885
     ↗
Show all 7 →
  1. RobinettB. W., Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, McGraw Hill, New York, p. 197, 1978.
  2. FinocchiaroM. and BonomoM., The Foreign Language Learner: A Guide for Teachers, Regents Publishing Company, N…
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