Title :
Technical language: learning from the Columbia and Challenger reports
Author :
Dombrowski, Paul M.
Author_Institution :
Central Florida Univ., Orlando, FL, USA
Abstract :
We can learn from the Columbia shuttle tragedy the potential consequences of taking technical language as more definite, unequivocal, agreed upon than it really is. Sadly, language misunderstandings in Columbia (2003) parallel similar problems in Challenger (1986). Fortunately, though, technical investigators are learning the vagaries of language use and organizational culture in shaping technical discourse.
Keywords :
aerospace; organisational aspects; professional communication; Challenger shuttle tragedy; Columbia shuttle tragedy; organizational culture; technical discourse; technical language; Accidents; Aerospace industry; Concrete; Context awareness; Extraterrestrial phenomena; Knowledge management; NASA; Professional communication; Space exploration; Space shuttles;
Conference_Titel :
Professional Communication Conference, 2005. IPCC 2005. Proceedings. International
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-9027-X
Electronic_ISBN :
0-7803-9028-8
DOI :
10.1109/IPCC.2005.1494233
