Asian Cultural Backgrounds for International Technical Communication  

The communication styles of Asian people have often been seen by Westerners as part of a single, unified 'Oriental culture.' However, there are observable differences in communication strategies among them, mainly Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans. The present research attempts to reveal the deep structure of their thinking and behavior that affects writing styles in international technical communication. Its purpose is to overcome stereotypes, and to understand better similarity and diversity within East Asian countries.

Otsuka, Yoshihiro, Kenji Hitomi and Eiichi Yubune. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>TC>International>Asia

Observations on the Function of Document Styles in Cross-Cultural Communication  

This presentation will give a functional account of style in English technical communication and point out the differences in style shown by native speakers and non-native speakers of English.

Otsuka, Yoshihiro. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Language>Localization

Thought, Behavior and Writing Style in Technical Communication  

This presentation clarifies Japanese writers' tendency of written statement from the text-organization and writing-attitude. The result of investigation is the same as the presenter's hypothesis, that is, Japanese writers try to approach the point of argument by a roundabout way of developing a paragraph. 55% of the examinees showed this tendency. The fact that Japanese technical writers are willing to go along with the policy of the native speakers of English was also revealed through the interview and obtaining information by means of questionnaires.

Otsuka, Yoshihiro. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Business Communication