Chapter 11 discusses the need for definitions. It begins by introducing reasons for defining material. Definitions should be written with the audience in mind. The chapter details the fact that there are multiple meanings for certain common words such as focus, or crop. The chapter suggests that there is a need for defining these terms more clearly, keeping non-expert professionals in mind. The chapter goes on to describe the complexity of meaning. You should decide who the audience is, and what the situation is before you write a definition that is too complex or not complex enough. This brings us to the discussion of technical jargon and how it should be handled.Technical jargon almost always needs to be defined unless it is strictly among coworkers, and even then there might be new employees that are unaware of the meaning. Technical jargon occurs when terms are created within a certain group or workplace. When you are writing for a particular industry familiar with the terms being used, you can assume that the terms will carry meaning to the reader. However, technical terms may be used for audiences unfamiliar with them, as long as they are parenthetically defined. The chapter describes many different types of definitions and those aspects associated with the definition described.
Symbols, although nonverbal, usually seen in math or science need to be explained at the appropriate level according to the audience. The audience must understand the concepts behind the symbols.
Burnett discusses constructing definitions, she suggests that the author needs to think ahead if possible for any questions that may arise. Burnett discusses five categories to think about; physical characteristics, comparison, whole/parts, function, operation.When constructing definitions there are four types of approaches:
- Formal: using what a dictionary would define the word as
- Informal: inserted in communication casually
- Operational: means different things to different technical professionals
- Expanded Defintion: Explain and clarify information, they also maintain audience interest.
There are six types of informal definitions. They are synonym, antonym, negative, stipulation, analogy and illustration. We usually insert them into our documents without knowing that we are defining terms. Synonyms are words that mean the same thing and usually resemble similar things. An antonym is a word that is opposite in meaning. Negative refers to explainations of what something isn't. They provide useful information to readers. Stipulation refers to defining terms particular to a situation or application. An analogy directly compares the unfamiliar to the familiar. Illustrations are actual drawings or diagrams that illustrate a certain term.
Opertional definitions define a process. They list the steps involved in that process, and they also measure the functions of that process. It usually works best to describe the process in a chronological way, making the definition more procedural-based.
The most common types of expanded definitions are etymology, history, and examples. Etymology refers to the origins of the particluar term being defined. History, obvioulsy describes its history. Examples clarify information by providing background and illustration of something for the reader.
Placements of definitions occur most likely in glossary, information notes and sidebars, incorporated information, appendixes and online help.
13 comments:
Chapter 14 was an informational chapter. I personally never really think about why definitions are needed or how to incorporate them appropriately. Reading about the formal, informal, and operational made me think about my soon to be profession.
As an interior designer one needs to be capable of defining and describing things to a wide range of audiences such as, clients, partners, managers, design firms, etc. All of these audiences have a different level of knowledge about products used in interior design.
I would have to say that regularly I use the informal approach, usually unaware of it.
This chapter talks about how to create definitions. Multiple meanings of a word is an important issue. For example, the word cell means different things in biology, business, to criminals, and secret agents. A word like this should be used carefully because if it is intended for every audience then different audiences will have different meanings.
This chapter about creating definitions was really beneficial to me considering my career in dietetics. The book discussed that when defining a definition, the audience should be kept in mind. I will need to do this in my future assuming that all my clients won’t have all the background of how the body works to metabolize foods. I need to make sure that when I’m discussing their metabolism that the definitions aren’t too hard to follow, but also not too basic. One thing that is really informational and useful is the four approaches for constructing a definition. These are things that I’ll keep in mind in my career and throughout life.
Like becca said, it is important for someone to know how to incorporate correctly, definitions. I am going into the construction field and it is also hard to sometimes define or explain things to others who don't necessarily know much about the field. I have had to explain somethings to some people, and it is hard sometimes, but very key in the construction field.
Chapter 14 once again described the importance of identifying your audience is to make yourself clear. Anyone in a profession will need to address clients and employees in a appropriate manner. Also, the four approaches to constructing a definition will be very helpful when we are working.
Chapter 14 is basically the problems caused by using jargon and symbols within a technical display. Problems arise with certian audiences, while other audiences have no problems with it. The definitions portion of the chapter was great, some review and some new topics. Informal definitions are the most common for me, however at work I use informal, formal and operational definitions.
In chapter 14 about definitions I found there are many ways to write a definition. I will find this information very helpful in my line of work. In the process of re-engineering a product I must be able to write adiquate definitions. We will write definitions about how to operate and/or assemble a product. This was a very good summary written. When I am reading definitions it is very helpful if they incorporate thing that I have a good understanding of.
This chapter is very informing based on the idea that an intended audience can create a better idea of understanding based on different terminology. Within different career fields the same word can be used but have multiple meanings making communication difficult in certain circumstances. It is yet another chapter teaching us how to communicate with other directly and in a more effective manner.
Great summary for this chapter. I completely agree definitions are necessary to understand the intended message of the author. The context of a definition definately clarifies its meaning in the perception of the intended audience, and will help distinguish what reference is being made concerning words with multiple meanings. Words that sound and are spelled the same with multiple meanings are called homonyms. A couple of common homonyms that come to mind are bank, pool, use, raise, block and many more
i think that a definition is very important and can have a very significantly different meaning if the audience for whom it is written is not considered. Many technical things may mean one thing someone that understands the meaning, however someone else may interpret the meaning to be something totally opposite.
This is not something I honestly have ever given much thought to...I do keep the audience I am presenting to in mind in a general sense. If I am talking to other professionals in my field I use more technical wording and even some technical jargon. If I with non-experts I keep everything real general unless prompted for specifics. Technical jargon, when used appropriately, can speed up conversations sometimes, too.
I enjoyed learning about the different types of definitions and what to consider in regards to their placement. Although I am familiar with operational, informal, and expanded definitions but never really knew their classifications.
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