Re: "Learning" Language

[Jane Bergen <janeb -at- ANSWERSOFT -dot- COM>]

Amy Smith wrote:
> And yes, this topic is not really directly related to tech writing
> (so future discussion on this should be taken off-line), but I hope
> it's provided some food for thought.

Well, Amy, I disagree. My BA was language and linguistics and my MA
minor was linguistics. I think it very directly relates to
communication and to GOOD technical writing! After all, what we've
been discussing here are the principles of language and cognition,
which definitely affect much of technical writing. Especially
writing instruction manuals.  What surprised me about this whole
thread was the LACK of understanding of the principles of language
and language acquisition by some people. It's important for writers
(of any genre) to understand how to use language as a powerful tool.

For anyone interested in learning more, the web is FULL of linguistic
resources. Go to the Yahoo search engine:
                 http://www.yahoo.com/

and follow the links. Even Noam Chomsky has his own web pages!

This discussion has been very healthy and informative.

Jane Bergen
............................................................................
 Jane Bergen
 Technical Writer
 janeb -at- answersoft -dot- com   or   janeb -at- computek -dot- net
    "The difference between the right word and the almost right word
     is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug" (Mark Twain)
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