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Dissertation/Thesis Abstract

Overcoming Tools of Oppression: Plain Language and Human-Centered Design for Social Justice
by Sims, Michela, M.A., Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2020, 89; 28025134
Abstract (Summary)

Technical communication audiences are increasingly international and intercultural. Some of these audiences may be vulnerable and suffering trauma following violations of their human rights and dignity. In such cases, technical documents can serve to reinforce the oppression experienced by these audiences. Technical communicators must adapt and create methods to communicate ethically and responsibly with these audiences through a social justice lens. This thesis utilizes adapted plain language guidelines from plainlanguage.gov combined with human-centered design (“HCD”) guiding principles to perform a qualitative document analysis of technical government forms. The findings of this analysis demonstrate a need for continued integration of plain language and HCD in practice and pedagogy, research and pedagogy surrounding the ways technical communicators should balance the needs of vulnerable audiences with the interests of powerful stakeholders, and meaningful collaboration between technical communicators and government institutions.

Indexing (document details)
Advisor: Bakke, Abigail
Commitee: Tesdell, Lee, Sauter, Emily
School: Minnesota State University, Mankato
Department: English: MA Technical Communication
School Location: United States -- Minnesota
Source: MAI 82/1(E), Masters Abstracts International
Source Type: DISSERTATION
Subjects: Technical Communication, Social research
Keywords: Asylum seekers, Human centered design, Immigration, Plain language, Social justice
Publication Number: 28025134
ISBN: 9798662470347
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