Summarizes current views of second-language acquisition, focusing on the types and origins of the problems of nonnative technical writers. Offers suggestions to help editors avoid or alleviate the problems. (PRA)

Cites reasons for pursuing a curriculum in technical communication, lists objectives a program should achieve, and outlines a four-part program that includes theory, professional skills, technical proficiency, and an internship. Lists schools offering programs in technical communication. (SR)

Describes a writing assignment (intended to counter some students'"writing is irrelevant" attitude) in which students write resumes and letters of application that are reviewed by personnel officers of "real world" corporations. (SR)

Presents results of a survey focusing on recruiters' perceptions of technical writers in terms of what information should be included in cover letters and resumes, as well as the roles of interviewees and interviewers in the employment interview. (SR)

Describes how the change to Standard Generalized Markup Language at Information Builders began with the use of SGML-like markup in text because it solved a specific problem. Notes that many additional unexpected benefits led to an investigation of converting to formal SGML-based electronic publishing. (SR)

Argues that effective hypermedia designs should meet four goals: (1) minimize clutter so that the document looks and feels simple to use; (2) create an image appropriate to the corporate sponsor and to the users' expectations; (3) provide ready access to stored information; (4) minimize the effort, technology, and resources needed. (SR)

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

Reviews recent theory and research on the place of purpose in technical communication. Offers a case study to illustrate the interaction of three aspects of document purpose: textual, reader-based, and contextual. (SR)

Describes research on the rhetoric of mine disasters, analyzing discourse among government agencies, Congress, unions, operators, and lobbyists. Offers rhetorical, technical, and ethical analyses of the technical documents resulting from mine disasters. (SR)

Offers a profile of today's newsletters and includes suggestions for producing a successful newsletter. Provides a checklist for writing case histories and an outline of major types of newsletters and house organs. (SR)

Argues that, when technical publications and technical training departments work together, writers learn from trainers about the users, trainers get help in producing training materials, users get integrated training and technical manuals, and the company displays a unified approach. (SR)

Lists 43 annotations of articles on resume research and instruction, textbooks on business communication, and sources on rhetorical issues, visual theory, and graphic design of resumes. (PRA)

Proposes a four-phase plan for a team formal report project in the business and technical writing course. Finds positive attitudes toward both the formal report and collaborative writing among students in 29 formal report groups. (SR)

Finds differences in writing practices (among employees participating in writing workshops) based on educational level. Finds that a large percentage of workers with graduate training write long reports, write to other experts in their field, and spend time revising. (SR)

Investigates the role that ethos takes in the scientific papers of American glacial geologists. Analyzes the rhetorical strategies of five articles spanning the time period from 1839-1988. Discovers a coherent evolution of rhetorical strategies over this time period. (HB)