Using Reader-Oriented Language

Using Reader-Oriented
Language
Chapter 8
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.
Using Unambiguous Language
 Sentences should correctly convey only one
meaning.
Ambiguity results from:
 Misplaced Modifiers
 Dangling Modifiers
 Stacked Nouns
 Faulty word choice
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.
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.
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.
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.
Faulty Word Choice
 Ambiguous: We were held up at the bank.
 Unambiguous: We were delayed at the bank.
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…
Eliminate Unnecessary Words
Write an example of concise sentence.
USE SIMPLE WORDS
Use simple and familiar words.
Use Positive Language
 Start with a positive statement.
 Example: Incorrect: Do not discontinue taking the
medicine.
 Correct: Continue taking the medicine.
Use Technical Terminology Consistently
and Accurately
 Use only when readers have technical knowledge and
expertise.
 Stick to a technical term consistently.
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Manuals
Handbooks
Software Guide
Reference Guides
Reports, memos etc.
Use Nonsexist Language
 Sexist: Each employee should maintain his equipment.
 Nonsexist: Employees should maintain their equipments.
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.
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.

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