This paper suggests adding a social justice framework to the questions that Kostelnick suggests to help students investigate culture in "Seeing Difference." Using visual rhetoric to teach technical communication is beneficial for students; however, problematic representations of culture may unintentionally appear in visual design and are…

In the field of intercultural business and technical communication, intercultural communication has been a regular topic in curriculum for decades; various teaching approaches exist for developing students' cultural awareness and helping them achieve a theoretical understanding about the concept of culture, cultural differences, and cultural…

This article argues for the need for a social justice approach to technical communication research and pedagogy. Given previous calls by scholars in technical and professional communication (TPC) for an attention to diversity, inclusion, and equality, the author examines the place and purpose of social justice in TPC and provides useful approaches…

Given the rapid advances in information communication technology (ICT) and the ever-increasing likelihood that students will be collaborating on cross-cultural teams in their future careers, creating opportunities to engage in collaborative writing projects across borders and then observing the dynamics of international virtual online…

This article explores how the English language contributes to cross-boundary communication failure and establishes that there is an "English language problem" that has not been adequately addressed in preparing United States native English-speaking students for international technical communication tasks. For example, U.S. technical communication…

This dissertation examines the diffusion of an innovative information technology system across multiple cultures between 2000 and 2006. Developed and implemented by technical communicators in the technical communication department of a global medical device company, the Advanced Single-Source Authoring and Publication System (ASAPS) brought…

Describes the problems involved in translating federal law in Canada from English to French, and proposes a short-term solution for faster and better translation and a future solution involving the drafting of laws simultaneously in the two languages. (AM)

Elaborates on the problems facing the criminological translator, as a result of cultural differences, linguistic variation, the evolution of ideologies, and, finally, the lack of adequate terminological references. (AM)

Analyzes ambiguity as a factor in Japanese language and culture as they affect technical communication. Presents and interprets results of a survey of Japanese and U.S. aerospace engineers and scientists concerning the kinds of communication products they produce and use and their ideas of what should be taught in technical communication courses.…

Discusses the problem of using graphics in international documents, since graphics are not universal unless expressly designed as such. Discusses how to plan international graphics, pitfalls to avoid, wordless instructions, and text. Offers a checklist for cultural and national differences. (SR)

Outlines the evolution of information design in Europe, which has long involved practitioners from a broader set of disciplines than in the United States. Speculates on reasons for differences in approach to information design in Europe and the United States. Maintains that quality of education is key to both approaches, to respect and improve…

The belief in the unambiguity of specialist texts relies upon a conception of translation limited to purely linguistic levels and a central concept of "stable meanings." From the recognition that specialist texts are, to a great degree, linked to cultural and situational contexts, criteria important for the realization and evaluation of…

Discusses the cultural elements in developing a technical manual. Shows, through a comparison of two mythical cultures, how the manual will differ when organized for those two cultures. Considers the influences of culture on developing technical documents, specifically manuals. Concludes that the attitudes of a culture are significant factors in…

Suggests some specific things to consider when preparing print, interactive electronic, or visual materials for clients outside of North America. (SR)

Describes the writer's experiences teaching American business writing in Russia and attempting to find documents for comparison of Russian and American approaches to business communication. Finds that the most documents common in the United States are rare or nonexistent in Russia; there, documents exist largely to show to officials rather than to…