Documentation for Global Markets: Some Practical Considerations  

This panel will discuss the development of documentation for global markets. Many practical tips will be offered for discussion.

Bolton, David, Ralph F. Calistro and Laurel R. Simmons. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Documentation>International

Going Global Without Going Broke  

Companies are increasingly operating world wide. As a result they often need to produce documentation in several languages to meet market demands. The quality of the source document plays an important part in controlling the cost and release date of the localised documents. This article discusses several issues that need to be considered when producing documents for the multilingual marketplace.

O'Neill, Jennifer. STC Proceedings (2001). Articles>Documentation>International

Guidelines for Writing Technical Documentation for an International Audience  

A guide to help technical writers in all countries who have to write English-language technical documentation for products that will be sold worldwide.

tekom (2003). Articles>Documentation>International>Technical Writing

Increasing User Acceptance Of Technical Information in Cross-Cultural Communication    

A significant problem in technical communication is persuading the user that the information is accurate, valid, and useful. All too often, technical communicators treat users as members of their own culture. When authors do consider cultural issues, they often focus on matters such as vocabulary, visuals, and organization. Other strategies, however, can be useful in gaining acceptance of technical information in cross-cultural situations. For example, the communication theory of compliance-gaining offers suggestions for how the technical communicators can adapt the text to enhance user acceptance when communicating to members of their own culture as well as when communicating across cultures. Communicators can use promises, threats, demonstrate positive and negative outcomes, extend friendliness, etc., to develop the text. In this article, I will explain several compliance-gaining strategies authors can use, identify rhetorical strategies they can combine with compliance-gaining strategies, show how these strategies can be effective in a cross-cultural environment by comparing the strategies in two sample cultures, and analyze a brief sample.

Warren, Thomas L. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2004). Articles>Documentation>User Centered Design>International

International Considerations in Creating Computer Documentation  

In creating computer software manuals, international users have become an important factor in design decisions. This paper discusses several issues and strategies useful in creating documentation with an international audience in mind.

Smart, Karl L. and Robert Bringhurst. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>Technology>International

International Consumer Protection: Writing Adequate Instructions For Global Audiences    

In 2003, the United States exported nearly $720 billion in goods. Businesses that trade in the global market have a legal and ethical duty to make their products reasonably safe, and technical communicators who write the documentation for those products have a legal and ethical duty to protect international consumers by writing adequate instructions. Writing documentation for products that will be distributed internationally requires not only the ability to communicate clearly, but also awareness of the relevant product liability laws, the cultural variables, and the expectations of international audiences. This article first argues that devoting company resources to produce adequate instructions for international users is both practical and ethical, then provides a brief overview of the consumer protection measures that the top U.S. trade partners have implemented, and finally presents guidelines for developing adequate instructions for international audiences.

Lipus, Teresa. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2006). Articles>Documentation>International

Managing Documentation Projects in an International Environment: The Supervisor's Role  

The technical publications department of a major corporation is always a complex environment. When this environment also involves dealing with the issues of an international company and almost daily interaction with international counterparts, the opportunities and challenges are greatly increased. Joining a large-scale, ongoing publications project under these conditions requires quick learning and the rapid acquisition of new skills. For a project of this type to succeed, a supervisor must successfully solve a unique set of problems and is rewarded with enhanced opportunities for growth and professional development.

Chapman, Stephen C. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>Management>International

Why are Figures Made All-Inclusive in a Computer Manual? The Elimination of Cultural Preference  

Computer manuals are produced by documentation engineering or some methodology. The organization, contents, and sequence of a manual developed in this way are usually universal. However, figures included in a computer manual tend to be all-inclusive, namely very comprehensive or complicated. It is probably due to the cultural preference, or one characteristic of the Japanese way of communication. The inductive thinking method may have caused the habit of presenting all related information on just one page at the time of information transmission.

Nakajima, Yasushi. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>International

Working Together: Developing a Joint Documentation Project in Two Countries  

As companies become more internationally orientated, joint projects among groups in different countries are becoming more common. These projects offer unique opportunities, including learning about another culture and the chance to travel. They also present obstacles, including difficulties in communication. Time differences allow a small window for phone calls. Periodic face-to-face meetings are essential, since they build under- standing and tolerance that carry over into communication by phone or electronic mail. Cultural and national differences in business practice further complicate the picture. It is important to work out all procedures, standards, and objectives in writing for the project to succeed.

King, Nancy. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>Collaboration>International

Why You Should Care About the New ISO User Documentation Standard  

Why should technical communicators be interested in ISO's user documentation standard? Hayhoe discusses the various advantages of this new systems and software engineering standard, and makes an argument for how the profession can gain by adhering to it.

Hayhoe, George F. Intercom (2008). Articles>Documentation>Standards>International