Writing Like an Educated English Speaker Kathryn

Transcript:Writing Like an Educated English Speaker Kathryn:
Writing Like an Educated English Speaker Kathryn Minnick Nov. 8, 2013 kathrynm@cashq.ac.cn What I’ll Talk About General Principles of Writing (3-7) CAS’s Audience and Goals (8-13) Common Requirements for Good Writing (14-19) Differences Between Chinese and English (20-22) Grammar and Style Tips (23-60) Journalistic, Presentation and Personal Writing (61-81) Summary (82) Exercises (83-111) Appendix (112-125) 2 Writing Style is Relative Know your goal + Know your audience = Know your format + style 3 Writing Goals Vary News ✓ Entertainment Persuasion ✓ Factual reports ✓ Academic writing ✓ Public relations ✓ Artistic expression 4 Media and Publications Vary Different media and publications target different audiences and have different goals Goals also vary within different sections of publications (or broadcast programs) Huge variety Imagine how a major Chinese achievement in S&T would be handled by: 科技新时代 Website – focus on science, less specialized CCTV 新闻联播 – focus on economic benefits, with nationalistic tone 人民日报 – focus on role of CPC in facilitating achievement Science – focus on science, medium specialized Sina.com – implications for average people’s lives China Daily – “soft power” PR, proof of China’s advance New York Times – strong emphasis on implications for U.S.-China rivalry Specialized science journal – highly specialized science focus 5 No Single “Right” Way To Write 6 Depends on Audience and Goal For Each Piece 7 CAS’s English Audience Foreign scientists and engineers Science administrators from other countries Foreign government officials NGO officials Employees/officers of S&T-related companies Journalists/media specialists Educated nonspecialists Generally non-Chinese Some may have bias against Party or government due to geopolitical rivalry, etc. 8 Why Should We Care About Their Opinion? 9 CAS English language publications and Websites affect English readers’ opinion of CAS: Strong English writing increases readers’ capacity to understand CAS and its achievements English readers take English writing as an overall measure of CAS’s quality and professionalism “Politically flavored” writing may suggest to some readers that CAS is not free to do independent science since it places too much emphasis on politics/ideology English readers’ opinions may affect CAS’s domestic standing: A strong external reputation is likely to strengthen CAS’s reputation at home among government, Party and business leaders Strong international reputation  better funding, more political support 10 Conclusion: What English Readers Think of CAS MATTERS Both Abroad and in China 11 CAS’s English Writing Goals Report scientific results to global S&T community Disseminate achievements and other information