TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: No subject given From:David Warren <David -dot- Warren -at- NEXTEL -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 16 Jun 1998 13:37:16 -0400
Howdy!
Humor causes real headaches for documents either used internationally
or translated into other languages. Verbal humor is one of the most
idiomatic forms of speech; more culturally-specific than even insults
and "foul language." Even within the english language, some British
humor does not connect with US audiences, or Austrailian,...
THAT said, I *love* the Dummies books...but I'd hate to have to
translate one into Japanese.
David T. Warren
Pubs. Mgr., Nextel
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: No subject given
Author: Michael Burke <miburke -at- WSICORP -dot- COM> at INTERNET
Date: 6/16/98 11:54 AM
>Subject: Re: Humor as a communication technique
>Author: ,Lisa Higgins [SMTP:lisarea -at- LUCENT -dot- COM] at fed01 Date:
>6/16/98 5:31 AM
....
Seriously, the use of humor must always take the audience and their
situation in mind.
The manual I write are directed towards an audience who need
information in a quick, concise format. They would find humor as an
obstruction rather than as a help.
...I would rather use a manualthat spared the humor. As a writer, I
don't always know the mood or personality of the user. If the user is
stressed, anxious, nervous, or hurried, humor could be the wrong
ingredient.