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| World of Learning |
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| World of Learning | |||
The
world of learning—a virtual space encompassing higher education
and related academic institutions throughout the world—is where
I came from as a professional. Of course that leaves its imprint on me
as a technical writer. There I've gained vast and strong experience in
writing documentation for training in computer technology and software
usage. Although I am outside the world of learning already for some time
I am sure there is still a place there for my favorite method of teach-by-examples.
The latter is illustrated by some excerpts
from my training courses on C/C++ programming. The knowledge and experience acquired in the world of learning as nothing else can ensure the success of technical writing. |
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| What Does a Technical Writer Actually Do? | |||
Unlike
most people, a technical writer is commonly impelled to write. Besides
that he or she is expected to have thorough knowledge and some experience
in technical information to be documented. These are two key fundamentals
for successful writing of technical documentation. A technical writer is like a translator. He or she takes technical information—whether on paper or in the subject matter expert’s head—and translates it into terms that are meaningful to the intended audience. Different audiences may require a different interpretation of the same information. The writer is also required to grasping what information is important for the reader and to writing clearly and consistently. |
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| About Translating | |||
American
linguist Rudolf Flesch writes that "translating is the ideal form
of intellectual exercise. Whenever we translate, we are forced to abandon
the mental patterns we are used to and get to hang of others completely
alien to our thinking. There is nothing quite like it to gain mental flexibility,
which is practically the main ingredient of clear thinking. If foreign
languages did not exist, we should have to invent them as a training device
for our minds." (New Guide To Better Writing) |
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| On Recreation | |||
Nature,
as T.H. Huxley has told us, never overlooks a mistake or makes the smallest
allowance for ignorance. To disregard the need of recreation for both
the human body and mind is to hinder the nature summons. It's commonplace
that walking is a kind of recreation. As a passionate walker for exercise,
I am sure that the joy of walking is not only a legitimate road to better
health but also both a pleasure and a way of recreation for the walker's
mind. At least such is the case for those of us to whom walking is an
imperative that comes from inside and not from our doctor. Jean-Jacques
Rousseau summed up his own love of perambulation in the Confessions: "I
can only meditate when I am walking. When I stop, I cease to think; my
mind only works with my legs." |
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| Of Great Men's Thoughts | |||
According to Isaac Disraeli's adage, “the wisdom of the wise, and the experience of ages, may be preserved by quotations”. |
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Miscellanea |