TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Jayshree Rice wondered about one of my remarks: "First the question,
I'm not sure I understood the context of the remark in paranthesis (As
you know, there's a considerable amount of racism out there.... warn
them about.) Could you elaborate?>>
I was thinking of the sometimes hostile reception that new Indian
techwhirlers occasionally meet here in this forum, the resentment that
suddenly became apparent when STC offered reduced membership rates to
Indian members, and the hostile reception many of my ESL clients
receive from North American peer reviewers in science journals.
By no means is this reaction and the racism it implies ubiquitous--but
it's something to be aware of.
<<I find that my American colleagues expect me to understand American
culture and fit in accordingly, which is perfectly natural.>>
Indeed... and when we (I include Canadians in this) travel abroad, we
should be expected to make similar efforts.
<<The other side of this equation was my early experience working in
India. We had colleagues, partners, clients and others visiting or
working with us in India. Group efforts were set in motion to raise
cultural sensitivity. We were expected to adapt our conduct as far as
possible to fit in with his or her cultural etiquette. The visitors for
the most part also seemed to expect us to adapt somewhat. The existence
of this equation dawned on me after I started working for an American
Company and it struck me as a little lopsided.>>
Probably because it is lopsided. Any relationship should be based on
mutual respect and mutual efforts to accomodate the other person. There
are always imbalances--we humans are intensely hierarchical beings--but
the key is to make the effort. That counts for an awful lot.
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today!. http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Doc-To-Help includes a one-click RoboHelp project converter. It's that easy. Watch the demo at http://www.componentone.com/TECHWRL/DocToHelp2005
