Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1979

Canons, Categories, and Technical Communications

Virginia A. Book

Abstract

Dramatic cultural and social changes during the past two decades have strongly influenced the dimensions of the communication process. Contemporary communicators argue that communication adaptation has not kept pace with technological and cultural adaptation. One reason they cite is the continued reliance on traditional theories and methods when new systems and strategies seem more appropriate in our complex society. Communicators of technical and scientific information tend to be conservative and change methods slowly. Some do not accept the concept of process as change. If we are to overcome the adaptation lag, and help individuals learn to control the imbalance created by the communication explosion, we must adjust to the idea of change. We must be more innovative, exhibit more flexibility in our attitudes, and assume responsibility for becoming better informed about interdisciplinary relationships and research in communication.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1979-10-01
DOI
10.2190/xab3-k8dd-qelp-au22
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Topics
technical communication
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References (13) · 2 in this index

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Show all 13 →
  1. McLuhan M. (1967)
    Understanding Media
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     ↗
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    Voracities and Verities are Sometimes Interacting: With apologies to Marianne Moore
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
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    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  6. Some Effects of Apprehension on Writing Performance, ERIC Resources in Education, May 1977.
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    The Technical Writing Teacher
  8. Bibliography of Technical and Scientific Communications (1978)
    The Technical Writing Teacher
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