Communication in Technical Writing

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1978

Robert A. De Beaugrande

Abstract

The special nature of technical writing is seen in the emphasis on efficient information transmission. Rather than relying on the classic concept of information as the probability of items in a series, the article discusses information value with respect to reader background and to the distribution of “new” information (not known to the reader, or not focused) and “old” (known, presupposed, mentioned) information. It is argued that this perspective is best suited for the presentation of grammar in the teaching of technical writing, with special regard for the focusing techniques of written as opposed to spoken English; examples are provided.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1978-01-01
DOI: 10.2190/yfaq-3e8c-bt6u-4yml
Topics: technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

Fatt (2000)

The Value of Linguistics to Technical Authors in a Digital World

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MARKEL (1993)

Techniques of Developing Forecasting Statements

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Mirel (1988)

Cognitive Processing, Text Linguistics and Documentation Writing

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Selzer (1982)

Certain Cohesion Elements and the Readability of Technical Paragraphs

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Anderson (1980)

The Need for Better Research in Technical Communication

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Show all 6 →

Selzer (1980)

Another Look at Paragraphs in Technical Writing

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (1)

Beaugrande (1977)

Generative Stylistics: Between Grammar and Rhetoric

College Composition and Communication

Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓

10.3406/lfr.1973.5619

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10.1515/9783110908930

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CrossRef global citation count: 6 View in citation network →