"shorthand" vs. plain writing style

Subject: "shorthand" vs. plain writing style
From: "Yves Barbion" <yves -dot- barbion -at- gmail -dot- com>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 11:12:33 +0200

Hello techwhirlers,

I'm doing some research on car repair manuals. A typical writing style here
seems to be some sort of "shorthand" English, in which articles and pronouns
are omitted. For example:

- "Remove fuel tank cover."
- "Drain fuel tank and clean fuel filler neck and surrounding area."
- "Unscrew securing bolt and remove tank flap unit with rubber cup."
- "Remove securing bolts on filler neck."
- "Ensure fuel hoses are tight."

Any thoughts/opinions about this writing style? Pros and cons? Where does
this writing style come from? Effect on the readability and translatability
of the text?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards


--
Yves Barbion
Technical Writer
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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