Using Reader-Oriented Language

1. Using Reader-Oriented Language Chapter 8

2. Principle 1 • USING SPECIFIC AND UNAMBIGUOUS LANGUAGE • Using Specific Language • Vague: A computer in one of the labs isn’t working properly. • Specific: The monitor on computer 26 in the College of Science lab is flickering erratically.

3. Using Unambiguous Language • Sentences should correctly convey only one meaning. Ambiguity results from: • Misplaced Modifiers • Dangling Modifiers • Stacked Nouns • Faulty word choice

4. Misplaced Modifiers • Ambiguous: This appear to modify the wrong referent. To eliminate the ambiguity, place the modifier as close to the intended referent as possible. EXAMPLE • Ambiguous: Our manager suggested to the vice president that we register for the class in San Francisco. • Unambiguous: Our manager suggested to the vice president in San Francisco that we register for the class.

5. DANGLING MODIFIERS • Dangling Modifiers have no referent in the sentence. • DANGLING: Trying to put out the fire (modifier), the fire extinguisher broke (main clause). • In the previous sentence there is no Actor. • Correct: Trying to put out the fire, I broke the fire extinguisher. • Correct: As I was trying to put out the fire, the fire extinguisher broke.

6. Switch from Passive to Active • By changing the passive voice construction to the active voice, you can correct the dangling modifier. Example: • Dangling:To connect to employees in other organizations, meetings should be organized. • Correct: To connect to employees in other organizations, organize meetings.

7. Stacked Nouns • STACKED: The president suggested that a universal committee member evaluation criteria should be selected. • CORRECT: The president suggested that committee members should be selected based on a universal criteria for evaluation.

8. Faulty Word Choice • Ambiguous: We were held up at the bank. • Unambiguous: We were delayed at the bank.

9. PRINCIPLE 2 • ELIMINATE REDUNDANCY: • Please give our proposal your thought and consideration……because it will help and benefit.. • Please consider our proposal as it will help…

10. Eliminate Unnecessary Words • Write an example of concise sentence.

11. USE SIMPLE WORDS • Use simple and familiar words.

12. Use Positive Language • Start with a positive statement. • Example: Incorrect: Do not discontinue taking the medicine. • Correct: Continue taking the medicine.

13. Use Technical Terminology Consistently and Accurately • Use only when readers have technical knowledge and expertise. • Stick to a technical term consistently. • Manuals • Handbooks • Software Guide • Reference Guides • Reports, memos etc.

14. Use Nonsexist Language • Sexist: Each employee should maintain his equipment. • Nonsexist: Employees should maintain their equipments.

15. Consider your Readers’ Culture • Avoid Idioms • Humor may not be something that you can translate in another language. • Use technical language that international readers will understand. • Avoid localisms – phrases known only to people in a specific area.

16. Exercise • Exercises 1-11 on pages 216-218 • Finish these exercises. The practice exam would have questions from the practice exercises that you have completed from chap 7 and 8.