Writing Science When English is Your Second Language

Transcription

1 Writing Science When English is Your Second Language Larenda Mielke English Language Programs Washington University in St. Louis Key image for introducing talk s scope, importance, or background Annual Conference on EFFECTIVE RESEARCH MANAGEMENT Proposing, Performing, and Managing Successful Research Projects 1 March 26, 2008 Logo

2 This presentation focuses on three aspects of research writing for non-native speakers: Topic 1 Current Research Topic 2 Common Problems Topic 3 Practical Exercises 2 Logo

3 First, current research shows that culture affects research in many ways, including writing. Let s do some research on this audience. No, not them YOU! 3

4 Which countries have the most women in leadership positions? Finland 42% in parliament, 60% in government Sweden 48% in parliament, 41% in government Norway 38% in parliament, 45% in government Holland 37% in parliament, 31% in government Britain 20% in parliament, 22% in government U.S. 16% in the House, 15% in government 4

5 Masculinity vs. Femininity Hofstede s study suggested that men s goals were significantly different from women s goals and could therefore be expressed on a masculine and a feminine pole. Where feminine values are more important (Sweden, France, Israel, Denmark, Indonesia), people tend to value a good working relationship with their supervisors; working with people who cooperate well with one another, living in an area desirable to themselves and to their families, and having the security that they will be able to work for their company as long as they want. Where the masculine index is high (US, Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong, Italy, Great Britain), people tend to value having a high opportunity for earnings, getting the recognition they deserve when doing a good job, having an opportunity for advancement to a higher-level job, and having challenging work to do to derive a sense of accomplishment. (adapted from Hoft, Nancy (1995) International Technical Communication. New York: John Wiley and Sons) 5

6 What are some other ways to assess dimensions of national cultures? Geert Hofstede country comparison Geert Hofstede another country comparison How do researchers communicate across cultures? Larenda s 6

7 So how do cultural differences affect writing? Image(s) supporting above assertion 7 Dr.Richard Nisbett, a cultural psychologist, has done some controversial research comparing Eastern and Western thought.

8 Some of Nisbett s points may affect research writing: Topic 1 Whole picture vs. parts Parts vs. whole Topic 2 Common Problems Practical Exercises Topic 3 Logo 8

9 Nisbett also shows how Easterners group items differently. Cow, grass, and chicken Categories or relationships? 9

10 Lastly, which cultures thrive on debate? 10

11 Second, non-native speakers of English make some common grammar mistakes which must be addressed. Use of the definite article the Encouraging self-correction Self-Editing Form 11

12 Third, some practical exercises can clarify nonnative speakers writing. (These exercises are helpful for native speakers too!) Logo From The Science of Scientific Writing by George D. Gopen and Judith A. Swan Exercise 1 Exercise 2 1 st Sentence Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6 Exercise 7 12

13 To summarize this third main point: 1. Follow a grammatical subject as soon as possible with its verb. 2. Place new information to be emphasized in the stress position. 3. Make sure each part of the sentence serves its own function. 4. Place the old information referring back to the previous sentence at the beginning of the sentence. 5. Put the action in the verb! 13

14 This presentation has focused on three aspects of research writing for non-native speakers: Topic 1 Current Research Topic 2 Common Problems Topic 3 Practical Exercises 14 Logo

15 Writing Science When English is Your Second Language Larenda Mielke English Language Programs Washington University in St. Louis Key image for introducing talk s scope, importance, or background Annual Conference on EFFECTIVE RESEARCH MANAGEMENT Proposing, Performing, and Managing Successful Research Projects 15 March 26, 2008 Logo