"You Will": Technology, Magic, and the Cultural Contexts of Technical Communication
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2000
Abstract
Technology is commonly described in magical terms, not only in advertising but also in journalism and technical communication. This article provides some background on the use of magical language in technical contexts, gives examples of magical discourse in technology advertisements and newsmagazine articles, and proposes a technical communication pedagogy of media analysis. The proposed pedagogy involves students in conducting diagnostic critiques of media texts and affords them the opportunity to examine critically their own unwitting use of magical language in technical discourse.
Publication Title
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Recommended Citation
Kitalong, K.
(2000).
"You Will": Technology, Magic, and the Cultural Contexts of Technical Communication.
Journal of Business and Technical Communication,
14(3), 289-314.
http://doi.org/10.1177/105065190001400303
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/12881