Cultural Considerations in Technical Communication Training: Navigating a Globalized World

By Megan Khotko

Editor’s note: This article is the winner of the 2023 IDL SIG Student Outreach Article-writing Competition. Megan Khotko  is a graduate student at Minnesota’s  Metropolitan State University, where she is working towards earning her master’s degree in Technical Communication and a graduate certificate in Learner Design. Congratulations, Megan!

In an age of unprecedented globalization, the interconnectedness of people and organizations across borders has become a defining feature of our world. This remarkable shift highlights the immediate need for technical writing that is not only effective but also culturally sensitive. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach to teaching technical communication is now woefully insufficient in meeting the demands of our diverse and interconnected society. The intricate web of cultural nuances and preferences in written publications emerges as a striking challenge for educators. It becomes ever more apparent that a more adaptable and culturally sensitive approach to technical writing is now imperative. Here are three fundamental pillars for instilling effective cross-cultural technical communication practices.

Continue reading “Cultural Considerations in Technical Communication Training: Navigating a Globalized World”

Thinking Back on My Student Article Writing Competition Experience, One Year Later

By Ruth-Anne Klassen, Student Liaison

As we coordinate this year’s IDL Student Article Writing Competition (SAWC), I am reflecting on my experience entering a piece in the 2022 competition. The process of presenting my topic and submitting an article seemed insignificant to me. However, the experience seemed more impressive when my article continued for publishing in STC’s newsletter. I hope to encourage potential contestants in the competition, and other new technical communicators, to expose their work to new audiences.

 

Continue reading “Thinking Back on My Student Article Writing Competition Experience, One Year Later”