Includes nine responses from college faculty to Daniel's article (EJ 285 194) on business communication. (PD)

Advocates incorporating "people first" language (focusing on ability rather than disability and distinguishing the person from the condition) in business communication courses. Investigates whether the conventions of "people first" language affects the attitudes or perceptions of readers. Finds that language did not make a significant difference…

Finds that managers were more likely to recommend that environmental remediation proposals receive priority for funding when they read proposals written in candid language than when they read proposals written in legally defensible language. Shows that threats and a negative tone are highly persuasive in internal environmental compliance reports.…

A study was conducted to determine whether there was a linguistic correlation between a financially good year and a bad year as expressed in the annual reports of company presidents to their shareholders. Specifically the study tested the "Pollyanna Principle," which states (1) that regardless of whether the year was financially good or bad, the…

Surveyed business communication educators and found widespread confusion about the existence and nature of Plain English laws. Concludes that legally compelling business to use plain language in consumer documents may be futile. (PD)

Surveyed company executives to discover whether their attitudes toward business slang expressions, or "buzzwords," were as negative as attitudes generally encountered in academics and journalists. Results suggest that buzzwords are useful, can sometimes be expressive, and add precision and comfort to everyday business communication. (PD)

Discusses the widespread use of English as a world business language, reasons for its spread, standard and nonstandard "Englishes," and causes and cures for misunderstandings. (SR)

Examines the use of English in Japanese business communication. Finds that English is an important element of Japanese international business policy and that an awareness of both Japanese corporate commitment to employee English proficiency and of the complexities of the use of English for special purposes benefits business communicators involved…

Studies the distraction potential of 45 written usage elements, traditionally considered errors, for 2 different educated reading audiences: postsecondary business communication teachers, and executive vice presidents in large firms. Finds that the usage errors least distracting to both audiences were lexical elements and the use of an adverbial…

Reviews James Paradis's analysis of expert knowledge in technical operator's manuals. Demonstrates how professional discourse embodies images of violence and domination. Describes the relationship between ethos and logos in professional discourse. Provides a feminist critique of sex codes in technical communications. (HB)

Compares genders' style and quality in written communication. Finds no significant differences, and suggests any gender-specific markers might be limited to verbal and nonverbal communications. (MS)

Focusing on the benefits derived from using plain English in business and technical writing, this document summarizes the presentations at a forum of Better Business Bureau council members. Titles of the articles and their authors are as follows: (1) "English: Number One Language of Business" (W. H. Tankersley); (2) "What Is Plain…

Describes and contrasts the communication behavior of Hong Kong Cantonese bilingual speakers as they interact in comparable first- and second-language strategic formulations and decision-making meetings. Finds similarities in terms of volume, context level, and ideas; and differences in areas of turn-taking frequency, length of spoken time per…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 18 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: some effects of nonstandard English in counseling; the status of speech instruction in Iowa high schools; communications analyses of a university and a public…