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Intercultural Communication in the Global Age: Lessons Learned from French Technical Communicators

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Date Issued:
2013
Abstract/Description:
This thesis explores the cultural considerations American technical communicators must address when working with French colleagues and when creating technical documentation for French audiences. A review of the literature on intercultural communication theory was conducted, along with a review of the limited research on technical communication in France and the needs of French audiences. A qualitative online survey of French technical communicators was also conducted. Through this survey, French technical communicators reported on their intercultural beliefs, experiences, and practices, and information, language, and cultural needs.Survey responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Two main themes were developed as a result of this analysis: the importance of adapting content to French audiences, and the cultural differences between French and American information needs and communication styles. Survey findings were combined with theoretical and practical literature to offer American technical communicators guidance for successful intercultural interactions. This thesis concludes with suggestions for future practice and research in intercultural technical communication.
Title: Intercultural Communication in the Global Age: Lessons Learned from French Technical Communicators.
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Name(s): Tallman, Nicole, Author
Flammia, Madelyn, Committee Chair
Bowdon, Melody, Committee Member
Jones, Daniel, Committee Member
, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2013
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: This thesis explores the cultural considerations American technical communicators must address when working with French colleagues and when creating technical documentation for French audiences. A review of the literature on intercultural communication theory was conducted, along with a review of the limited research on technical communication in France and the needs of French audiences. A qualitative online survey of French technical communicators was also conducted. Through this survey, French technical communicators reported on their intercultural beliefs, experiences, and practices, and information, language, and cultural needs.Survey responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Two main themes were developed as a result of this analysis: the importance of adapting content to French audiences, and the cultural differences between French and American information needs and communication styles. Survey findings were combined with theoretical and practical literature to offer American technical communicators guidance for successful intercultural interactions. This thesis concludes with suggestions for future practice and research in intercultural technical communication.
Identifier: CFE0004944 (IID), ucf:49604 (fedora)
Note(s): 2013-08-01
M.A.
Arts and Humanities, English
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Technical communication in France -- Survey of French technical communicators -- French perspective on technical writing -- International technical documentation -- Intercultural collaboration strategies -- Cultural studies -- Globalization -- Localization -- Translation -- Hall's high-context and low-context cultures -- Hofstede's individualism versus collectivism dimension
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004944
Restrictions on Access: public 2013-08-15
Host Institution: UCF

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