Beyond Readability Formulas there is so much more that makes a text! This session will share strategies to foster reading comprehension that go well beyond shorter words and sentences. Learn how to stitch sentence together with connectivity tricks!
In this presentation, I will show you how to apply Plain Language 2.0 to a variety of writing issues to make text easier AND nicer to read. I will walk you through writing techniques that go far beyond what readability formulas and poor "write as if you were speaking" advice can do for you. Come learn how clear and coherent text emerges from sentences intentionally woven together.
There is nothing plain about Plain Language. It's a misnomer, like 'plain yogurt,' which is bold, punchy, and quite unforgettable! Plain was chosen to contrast with convoluted, obscure, and verbose prose. It really should have been "Simple and Stylish," because blah language does not get you anywhere either! The truth is, the struggle for clear communication is not new. Writers, scientists, and thinkers have been at it for thousands of years. Science, technology, social relations, commerce... well, life brings about change. And with it language needs change. Purists often miss the memo and hang on to obsolete language. Alas, the biggest obstacle to clear communication does not come from obstinate writers but from ignorant ones.
Tips for technical writing for translations from Romance languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese into English. Throughout the session we will explore language-specific features and plain language tips.
Kindergarten Common Core Activity Program, English Language and MathematicsTriumphLearningNY
Effortlessly weave the Common Core State Standards into your kindergarten curriculum, as you make natural connections between English Language Arts and Mathematics.
This is a perfect supplemental program for states that are in their first few years of Common Core State Standards implementation. It’s also a great resource in those states that would like to introduce the rigor of the Common Core State Standards, but are not yet implementing in Kindergarten.
In this presentation, I will show you how to apply Plain Language 2.0 to a variety of writing issues to make text easier AND nicer to read. I will walk you through writing techniques that go far beyond what readability formulas and poor "write as if you were speaking" advice can do for you. Come learn how clear and coherent text emerges from sentences intentionally woven together.
There is nothing plain about Plain Language. It's a misnomer, like 'plain yogurt,' which is bold, punchy, and quite unforgettable! Plain was chosen to contrast with convoluted, obscure, and verbose prose. It really should have been "Simple and Stylish," because blah language does not get you anywhere either! The truth is, the struggle for clear communication is not new. Writers, scientists, and thinkers have been at it for thousands of years. Science, technology, social relations, commerce... well, life brings about change. And with it language needs change. Purists often miss the memo and hang on to obsolete language. Alas, the biggest obstacle to clear communication does not come from obstinate writers but from ignorant ones.
Tips for technical writing for translations from Romance languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese into English. Throughout the session we will explore language-specific features and plain language tips.
Kindergarten Common Core Activity Program, English Language and MathematicsTriumphLearningNY
Effortlessly weave the Common Core State Standards into your kindergarten curriculum, as you make natural connections between English Language Arts and Mathematics.
This is a perfect supplemental program for states that are in their first few years of Common Core State Standards implementation. It’s also a great resource in those states that would like to introduce the rigor of the Common Core State Standards, but are not yet implementing in Kindergarten.
Effective communication in translation is often hindered by translatability issues stemming from the source text (lack of clarity, incoherence, lexical or grammatical ambiguity, etc.) or from the source language (in terms of lexical mismatches and conflicting worldviews often expressed through syntactic differences). This presentation explores issues of global and local coherence (including cohesion) that affect clarity in communication, and idiosyncratic constructions that tend to elude systematic interpretations and solutions vis-à-vis translation. Real examples for each issue covered will illustrate problems and solutions and lead to strategies writers, translators and editors can add to their toolboxes.
ETL705 Week 6Semantics and the LexiconKey topics inBetseyCalderon89
ETL705 Week 6:
Semantics and the Lexicon
Key topics in Semantics
Sense and reference
Literal meaning
Figurative meaning
Lexical Semantics
Speech acts
Gricean maxims
Reference
presupposition
Sense and reference
Sense and reference, as we may simply say, are the two sides of a coin.
Reference (Denotation) is the person, the object, or anything that we are talking about and has a reference in the outside world.
Sense (Meaning) is related to the meaning, and the way the person or the object is referred to.
Activity
Identify the sense and reference of the word ‘unicorn’.
Literal vs. figurative meaning
The meaning that we draw ordinarily is called the literal meaning. The word ‘needle’ is literally defined as ‘a sharp instrument’. The non-literal meaning of ‘pain’ is not included in its dictionary definition. This is the connotative meaning that we get from ‘needle’. The denotation of the word refers (see reference in the previous slide) to the actual needle whereas the connotation, as one type of figurative meaning, is used for the sense (see sense in the previous slide).
Figurative meaning or figurative language is used for different purposes; e.g., for exaggeration, for analogy, and for metaphors, among other things. In literature it is often known as figure of speech.
Metaphors
The sentence ‘He is the apple of my eye’ – doesn’t refer to any kind of fruit; there is, of course, no real apple in a person's eye. The "apple" is someone beloved and held dear.
When we hear this statement, we interpret it metaphorically, that is, we go beyond the literal meaning.
Other examples:
a bubbly personality
feeling blue
a rollercoaster of emotions
it’s raining men
Since our daily use of language is full of metaphors, it is sometimes hard to draw a fine distinction between the literal and the metaphoric meaning. For this reason, some linguists prefer to consider them cognitively and not linguistically.
Activity
Think of 3 metaphors in English (or another language) and discuss
Metonymy
Metonymy is another kind of figure of speech which connotes habituality or association.
e.g.
‘The pen is mightier than the sword’
What about these?
The Crown
The White House
Dish
Ears
A hand
Australia
The semantics of homophony=homonymy
Homonyms:
When two words have the same spelling and pronunciation, but different meanings
I went to the bank (by the river or to withdraw some cash?).
This is an interesting case
Activity
Provide 2 homonyms.
(If the spelling is different but the sound is the same, e.g sea and see, they are homophones)
The semantics of polysemy
Polysemy (adj polysemous):
When a word has several meanings, such as the word ‘run’.
Compare:
He runs.
The paint runs.
The engine runs.
He has a runny nose.
The grass runs for a mile.
He runs this business.
The semantics of hyponymy
The word ‘gum’ or ‘gum tree’ is one kind of tree. The general word ‘tree’ is superordinate or hyponymous to the word ‘gum tree’.
Different t ...
Rewrite My Essay — Why to Rewrite Essays with Us. How to Rewrite My Essay: Step-By-Step Guide. Rewrite My Essay – What is ArticleReword. Paraphrasing Matters | Reword My Essay – 5 Best Tips to Rewrite Essays .... Rewrite My Essay : Rewrite My Essay at a Reliable Writing Service. Rewrite My Essay: Improve Your Papers at Wr1ter.com. Rewrite My Essay – Rewriting your essay without plagiarizing. How to Rewrite My Essay and Get Good Results. What Are the Best Rewrite My Essay Services to Use in 2017-2018?. How to Rewrite My Essay?. 001 Rewrite My Essay Rewriting Tool Writing On Article Best Tools Wr .... Persuasive Essay: Website that will rewrite your essay. UK Rewriting Services | Editing and Proofreading Services | Proofessor.
An updated definition of health literacy takes into account the influence of system demands, professionals skills, and the use of plain language in communication, in addition to the individual skills of the person seeking, needing, or receiving medical information. This presentation will cover plain language strategies to help increase health literacy.
More Related Content
Similar to Beyond Readability Formulas: The Editor as Advocate of Whole Text and All Readers
Effective communication in translation is often hindered by translatability issues stemming from the source text (lack of clarity, incoherence, lexical or grammatical ambiguity, etc.) or from the source language (in terms of lexical mismatches and conflicting worldviews often expressed through syntactic differences). This presentation explores issues of global and local coherence (including cohesion) that affect clarity in communication, and idiosyncratic constructions that tend to elude systematic interpretations and solutions vis-à-vis translation. Real examples for each issue covered will illustrate problems and solutions and lead to strategies writers, translators and editors can add to their toolboxes.
ETL705 Week 6Semantics and the LexiconKey topics inBetseyCalderon89
ETL705 Week 6:
Semantics and the Lexicon
Key topics in Semantics
Sense and reference
Literal meaning
Figurative meaning
Lexical Semantics
Speech acts
Gricean maxims
Reference
presupposition
Sense and reference
Sense and reference, as we may simply say, are the two sides of a coin.
Reference (Denotation) is the person, the object, or anything that we are talking about and has a reference in the outside world.
Sense (Meaning) is related to the meaning, and the way the person or the object is referred to.
Activity
Identify the sense and reference of the word ‘unicorn’.
Literal vs. figurative meaning
The meaning that we draw ordinarily is called the literal meaning. The word ‘needle’ is literally defined as ‘a sharp instrument’. The non-literal meaning of ‘pain’ is not included in its dictionary definition. This is the connotative meaning that we get from ‘needle’. The denotation of the word refers (see reference in the previous slide) to the actual needle whereas the connotation, as one type of figurative meaning, is used for the sense (see sense in the previous slide).
Figurative meaning or figurative language is used for different purposes; e.g., for exaggeration, for analogy, and for metaphors, among other things. In literature it is often known as figure of speech.
Metaphors
The sentence ‘He is the apple of my eye’ – doesn’t refer to any kind of fruit; there is, of course, no real apple in a person's eye. The "apple" is someone beloved and held dear.
When we hear this statement, we interpret it metaphorically, that is, we go beyond the literal meaning.
Other examples:
a bubbly personality
feeling blue
a rollercoaster of emotions
it’s raining men
Since our daily use of language is full of metaphors, it is sometimes hard to draw a fine distinction between the literal and the metaphoric meaning. For this reason, some linguists prefer to consider them cognitively and not linguistically.
Activity
Think of 3 metaphors in English (or another language) and discuss
Metonymy
Metonymy is another kind of figure of speech which connotes habituality or association.
e.g.
‘The pen is mightier than the sword’
What about these?
The Crown
The White House
Dish
Ears
A hand
Australia
The semantics of homophony=homonymy
Homonyms:
When two words have the same spelling and pronunciation, but different meanings
I went to the bank (by the river or to withdraw some cash?).
This is an interesting case
Activity
Provide 2 homonyms.
(If the spelling is different but the sound is the same, e.g sea and see, they are homophones)
The semantics of polysemy
Polysemy (adj polysemous):
When a word has several meanings, such as the word ‘run’.
Compare:
He runs.
The paint runs.
The engine runs.
He has a runny nose.
The grass runs for a mile.
He runs this business.
The semantics of hyponymy
The word ‘gum’ or ‘gum tree’ is one kind of tree. The general word ‘tree’ is superordinate or hyponymous to the word ‘gum tree’.
Different t ...
Rewrite My Essay — Why to Rewrite Essays with Us. How to Rewrite My Essay: Step-By-Step Guide. Rewrite My Essay – What is ArticleReword. Paraphrasing Matters | Reword My Essay – 5 Best Tips to Rewrite Essays .... Rewrite My Essay : Rewrite My Essay at a Reliable Writing Service. Rewrite My Essay: Improve Your Papers at Wr1ter.com. Rewrite My Essay – Rewriting your essay without plagiarizing. How to Rewrite My Essay and Get Good Results. What Are the Best Rewrite My Essay Services to Use in 2017-2018?. How to Rewrite My Essay?. 001 Rewrite My Essay Rewriting Tool Writing On Article Best Tools Wr .... Persuasive Essay: Website that will rewrite your essay. UK Rewriting Services | Editing and Proofreading Services | Proofessor.
An updated definition of health literacy takes into account the influence of system demands, professionals skills, and the use of plain language in communication, in addition to the individual skills of the person seeking, needing, or receiving medical information. This presentation will cover plain language strategies to help increase health literacy.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning explained in Plain Language to understand Natural Language Processing Applications including Machine Translation and Text Production.
In the framework of AAIT 18, where we discussed the level of awareness of T&I as a profession, I presented the idea that translators are mediators between clear communication and technology. 'Artifical Intelligence' is perhaps inadvertently omnipresent in our lives, from "intelligent' vacuum cleaners to Tolstoi write-alikes. And then there is the push for clear communication heralded by the Plain Language movement. Plain Language seems to suggest language that is machine translatable. However, I advocate for Plain Language 2.0: clear communication with style. Yes, machines can do a great deal but infusing communication with relevant flair and without sacrificing clarity is still a human endeavor, that's where sophisticated professionals come in.
A crash course on markup languages for the aspiring technical translators: The explosion of new technologies has turned many translators into mesmerized spectators of a business built on their very shoulders. XML (extensible markup language) is the standard data exchange tool for web and other environments that translators are forced to use while working on XML files or using XML based translation software. This workshop will help them understand the technology they are both manipulating and using, by covering first HTML basics as a building block, and later introducing XML concepts and translation issues. In this first part, we look at the evolution of markup languages and delve into HTML as a building block.
A crash course on markup languages for the aspiring technical translators: The explosion of new technologies has turned many translators into mesmerized spectators of a business built on their very shoulders. XML (extensible markup language) is the standard data exchange tool for web and other environments that translators are forced to use while working on XML files or using XML based translation software. This workshop will help them understand the technology they are both manipulating and using, by covering first HTML basics as a building block, and later introducing XML concepts and translation issues. In this second part, we look at features of XML as a markup language from a linguistic point of view.
In the early 2000s, discussions about the Certification procedures at translation organizations reignited the debate about what constitutes a good translator and how he should be trained. Back then, Hélène Wimmerlin and I (Romina Marazzato) advocated for teaching the non-translation side of translation, i.e., business, technology, and project management, as a key component in training professional translators. In this presentation, we share cases from our own teaching and professional experience. We address relevant issues for the classroom situation and discuss how to integrate the needs and expectations of the different players—businesses, academic institutions, and students. During the live presentation, we served as moderators in an interactive and very passionate discussion with the audience!
The Logic Behind Mapping Solutions for Idiom Translation with examples in English, French, and Spanish.
If anything, translation is transient. The act of capturing the meaning of a text, be it written or spoken, is volatile, and as soon as finished it needs to be done all over again. Translators undertake their task like Sisyphus, aware that the summit of a perfect translation remains unattainable. But lucky for all the readers who live in only one language, every generation of translators tries to open the doors of all those languages we do not understand. In this presentation, we will explore the translation of expressions intertwined with the identity of a culture and its language, drawing examples from French and Spanish.
Effective communication in translation is often hindered by source text (i.e. poor writing) and worldview conflicts (causing translatability issues at lexical and syntactic levels). We explore here a few major idiosyncratic constructions from English and Spanish that tend to elude systematic interpretations and solutions vis-à-vis translation.
XML is brilliant, and pervasive. If you are a translator, chances are you have used it in a) files for translation, b) tools for translation, c) life. No need for a mad scientist hat to get the gist of it! For goodness sakes, you speak another natural language (a whole organic system that not even Chomsky has cracked) and you are afraid of a little bit of markup code? Come see what the fuss is about (is worth it!) and keep in mind XML "spell and grammar checkers" are off the charts! (Imagine if English teachers could say the same!)
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Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
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The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
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The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
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A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
2. Who I am
Translator, editor, localizer, educator
Founder of MA in Translation/Localization Mngmnt.
@ Middlebury Institute of Int’l Studies, Monterey, 2005
Leadership in professional associations: TILP, ATA, SEA
Linguistics, U.S. Spanish, Plain Language, Deep Learning.
All trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.
Languages
5. Flesch’s Reading Ease RE = 0-100 (easy)
( )total words
total sentences
1.015 x ( )total syllables
total words
206.835 - - 84.6 x
( )total words
total sentences
0.39 x ( )total syllables
total words
+ 11.8 - 15.59
Flesch-Kinciad Grade Level
6. SMOG Formula
Count polysyllables in 30 sentences
10 from START
10 from MIDDLE
10 from END
~ Grade = #polysyllables√ + 3
Grade =
#polysyllables
#sentences
+ 3.1291√30 x1.0430
7. Dale-Chall
Raw Score = 0.1579 x PDW + 0.0496 x ASL
PDW: Percentage of Difficult Words
ASL: Average Sentence Length in Words
If PDW > 5%, use Adjusted Score (> 4th gr)
Adjusted Score = Raw Score + 3.6365
8. Scoring Text
We need to talk about dealing with
distractions and, um… interruptions when
we’re trying to work. Yeah, I mean, it’s really
important. And I think, nowadays, you know,
for people with families.
Transcript
Great Readability Scores?!
10. These rescission risks for an investor are more prevalent during swift upward price
movement periods. The market conditions which favor speculator
activity are precisely the same conditions that cause a seller of a property to
demand their home be returned. A profit has come about within two years
which is now sought by both the investor, who speculated and gained by a
flip, and the seller, who believes they were ripped off of the profit taken by
the investor..
Realty Publications
16. Why Whole Text?
Subject Matter Difficulty
“If it could be summarized
in a sentence,
it wouldn't be worth
the prize.”
Richard Feynman
Nobel in Quantum Electrodynamics
Expertise
Interests
17. Writers Issues
• Single discourse legacy
• Specialized communities
• Writing as recording
• Complex cognitive activity
SEO
Legalese
Bueraucratese
Medicalese
Journalese
Academese
Why Whole Text?
WRITING ACROSS THE DISCIPLINES
21. Verbatim | Some Inference | Interpretation
50% higher level
inference
50% lower level
inference
OECD Assessment of Adult CompetenciesTOMATO SOUP
$1.15
Weight: 3.5 oz
Packaged on:
5/17/12
ORANGE JUICE
$2.99
Weight: 64 oz
Packaged on:
11/8/12
BEEF JERKY
$6.29
Weight: 16 oz
Packaged on:
2/24/12
PEANUT
BUTTER
$3.36
Weight: 28 oz
Packaged on:
3/24/12
22. Why All Readers?
25% do not understand Earth orbit
30% astrology = science
50% major bills have a scientific component
Juries evaluate technical evidence
Scientists do not reach one another
73% more citations if in The New York Times
No access to publicly funded research
1 year
* OECD, NSF, NCBI, & Pew Research
Public
Law
Science
24. Recasting: Syntactic Redistribution
Rearrange structure
Preserve semantic roles
Old before new
References
Bad neighbors
Memory
Effect Subject ≠ Agent ≠ Topic
My keys disappeared.
25. Recasting: Starting from Basic SVO Order
Subject Clause
Extraposed Subject Clause
Existential Clause
Dummy Subject
That Rebecca would harbor doubts was inevitable.
It was inevitable that Rebecca would harbor doubts.
There was a long discussion.
There ensued a long discussion.
26. Recasting
Cleft
Pseudo-cleft
It was at the hospital that Jack convinced Rebecca.
It was Jack who convinced Rebecca.
It was Rebecca who(m) Jack convinced.
What Jack wanted was to adopt the baby.
27. He was advised to force fluids through his interpreter.
Recasting
Fronting
Old before new
For meaning
Through his interpreter, he was advised to force fluids.
The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial species in North
America. Like kangaroos and other marsupials female opossums
rear their young in a fur-lined pouch, ___________.
28. Recasting
Verb Choice
= event ≠ perspective
give-receive / rob-steal / buy-sell / lend-borrow
The Mona Lisa was famously stolen in 1911, after three handymen
hid all night in the art-supply closet of the Louvre.
The Louvre was famously robbed in 1911, when three Italian
handymen hid in the art supply closet to take the Mona Lisa.
29. Recasting Passive Voice
When the agent is
Unknown or irrelevant
Relevant to object perception
Heavy
Big news!
The baby, Jack tells his wife, had been brought
to the hospital by a fireman, who had been
dissuaded from adopting the child himself.
30. Recasting
Repairing Relationships
Prepositional Phrases
Relative Clauses & Subordination
Hairdresser James Brown ‘sorry’ for racial comment
to Ben Douglas at BAFTAs
*The woman the thief the police apprehended robbed sat
down beside me.
The woman whom the thief that the police apprehended
robbed sat down beside me.
31. Recasting
Repairing Relationships
Connectors
Solar radiation can be absorbed by the Earth’s land surface and
stored as heat. Some sunrays partially rebound.
Solar radiation can be absorbed by the Earth’s land surface and
stored as heat, however, some sunrays partially rebound.
32. Recasting
De-nominalization
Recover the action / Use habitual verbs
Recreate a sensory experience
Find alternative cohesion strategy
Power outages forced the postponement of the last NASL match.
Power outages forced the NASL to postpone the last match.
Power outages forced the NASL to put off the last match.
33. Examples
Cleft
Pseudo-cleft
The photographer has documented communities facing climate
change around the world, but it was Bhutan that struck a chord
with him for its sense of resilience.
What first inspired Jazbec to visit and try to capture the
country's resilient spirit in photographs was actually [the prime
minister’s] messageabout his country's lofty goals in the face of
a changing climate.
Sarah Gibbens
34. A ban on DDT saved the peregrine falcon from extinction. A bird
specialist at Cornell University also helped. He invented a mating
hat. You can confirm this story in Google.
Examples
The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of
extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine-falcon
mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If
you can’t buy this, Google it.
Cherish this Ecstasy
James Duncan
Passive
35. The explosions ripped through traffic and buildings a block apart...
Blast walls erected for protection were pulverized. Mangled bodies
and pieces of flesh lay strewn around the streets. Water spewed
from a destroyed main and collected in blood-tinged pools.
“Iraq Car Bombings Kill 149”
Liz Sly and Usama Redha
The active construction [sic] of the sentences (as opposed to
passive construction, in which an action happens to a subject) and
the rhythmic repetition… grab the reader by the collar.
“Good Writing”
Craig Gaines
Examples
Passive
36. Examples
Edit Out the Passive?
Animals:
“Don’t Let Anybody Misunderstand Me”
Eurhythmics:
“This Is What They Make Sweet Dreams Out Of”
Elvis:
"Someone or Something has Shaken Me All Up.
39. Nominalization
An analysis of the prefrontal cortex shows…
The researchers analyzed the prefrontal cortex …
Most importantly I strongly believe in the mission, vision
and direction of the school. These beliefs inspire me to take
on this new challenge and lead our schools.
A reminder of upcoming appointments will be sent.
We will remind you of your upcoming appointments.
PRODUCT
PROCESS
40. Recasting Nominalization
Participant + process = sensory experience
It’s important to have a shared knowledge and understanding of those
needs to offer the services that are required to meet them.
To offer the right services, we must all be on the same page in terms
of what those needs entail.
Reverse abstraction to habitual verbs
The goal of marketing and recruiting is the increase in the number of
enrollments and the improvement of the quality of the student body…
…to increase the number… and improve the quality…
…to pump up admissions … and bring up the quality…
41. Recasting Nominalization
Find an alternative cohesion strategy
Be ok with your rhetorical priorities
The senator quietly walked into the room. But he did not
go unnoticed.
The senator quietly entered the room. But his entrance did
not go unnoticed.
One of the most important points of the Paris Agreement
reflects the countries’ commitment in the fight against
climate change.
42. Let’s Practice
Faced with increasing competition, tolerance for inefficiency is
growing smaller every day.
In an increasingly competitive market, you need to squeeze every
ounce of performance out of your business.
The average price of apartments for sale (at €3,000/m2) is about 70%
higher than the average regional price. These become prohibitive prices
for the elderly and young families.
The average price of apartments for sale (at $500/sqft) is about 70%
higher than the regional average. This is pricing out elders and
young families.
43. Male Mice Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons Firing
Disruption by Altered GABAA Receptor-Mediated Synaptic
Transmission under Steroid Abuse Mimicking Conditions.
GABA: Gamma-aminobutiric acid
Examples: Noun Piling
Altered GABAA Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Transmission Disrupts
the Firing of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in Male
Mice under Conditions that Mimic Steroid Abuse
Your buried cable technician can install…
44. Realtors Training Text
The rescission risks for an investor are more prevalent during
swift upward price movement periods. The market conditions
which favor speculator activity are precisely the same conditions
that cause a seller of a property to demand their home be
returned.
Realty Publications
45. Realtors Training Text – BEFORE
The rescission risks for an investor are more prevalent during
swift upward price movement periods. The market conditions
which favor speculator activity are precisely the same conditions
that cause a seller of a property to demand their home be
returned.
• take/face a risk / greater risk
• prices are rising
• speculate
46. Realtors Training Text – AFTER
An investor faces a greater risk of rescission by seller-in-
foreclosure when market prices are rising. The same rising
prices that encourage the investor to speculate and flip a
property for profit will encourage the seller-in-foreclosure to
try to recover their home.
50. Like kangaroos and other marsupials, female
opossums rear their young in a fur-lined pouch.
You might think opossums are vicious because… they
put up a fierce display... But that’s all just a front –
they won’t actually attack.
They act as “nature’s cleanup crew”—they often eat
leftovers other animals can’t or won’t eat…
They’ll eat just about anything, from fruits, nuts, and
grass to pests like garden slugs, […] and ticks.
Similarity
Elaboration
Exemplification
Contrast
Resemblance
51. […]when confronted with a potential threat, they
put up a fierce display, baring their teeth and
hissing
if the perceived threat continues, they’ll either run
away or switch to playing dead or “playing
possum,”
Sequence
Conditional
Sequence
Contiguity
52. Effect/
Cause
Cause/
Effect
Dismissal of
Cause
Dismissal of
Effect
They are nearly impervious to rabies because their body
temperature is too low to host the rabies virus
Their body temperature is too low to host the rabies
virus, so they are nearly impervious to rabies.
They do not dig holes, although they will readily seek
shelter in holes dug by other animals.
Although their hairless tail and pointy snout gives them
a similar appearance to rats, opossums are not even in
the same family as rodents.
While opossums are not even in the same family as
rodents, their hairless tail and pointy snout gives them a
similar appearance to rats
53. Connections (almost) without Connectors
The researchers placed trout in cages downstream from sewage
treatment plants and in a few weeks the males began to have elevated
levels of a protein called vitellogenin in their blood. Vitellogenin is the
protein responsible for making egg yolks in female fish. Little, if any,
vitellogenin is normally found in the blood of male fish. Something
coming out of sewage treatment plants was having an estrogenic effect
on the fish. Every sewage treatment plant in England had the same effect.
The British researchers tested a few common industrial chemicals to see if
they could stimulate the production of vitellogenin in trout under
laboratory conditions. They found several chemicals that did so. The more
of these chemicals the male fish were exposed to, the more they
developed female characteristics.
James Martin
54. Exercise: Cause & Effect
Restate cause/effect dismissal
The marine ancestors of red land crabs evolved to survive in
a foreign place: the shady forest floor. But, like marine
crabs, red lands still breathe with gills that must remain
moist.
Like marine crabs, red land crabs still breathe with gills that
must remain moist, even though the marine ancestors of red
land crabs evolved to survive in a foreign place: the shady forest
floor.
55. Practice
The patient was side-swiped by a car
riding a motorcycle.
While riding a motorcycle, the patient
was side-swiped by a car.
The young man had involuntary seminal fluid emission when
he engaged in foreplay for several weeks.
For several weeks, the young man had involuntary seminal
fluid emission whenever he engaged in foreplay.
57. Visual Elements
“Pictures cannot replace words in terms
of their ability to convey clear,
unambiguous information.”
Paolo Gaudiano
58. Visual Elements
Support your message
>> Explaining
Herd Immunity
Hey guys, I don’t even feel any
rain! Why are you doing this
again? Just put down the stupid
umbrellas—they’re bad for your
arms anyway.
63. Trebecular Bone
Trebeculae: 3D Lattice
• Structural support and flexibility
• Lighter than compact bone
Inspired in a presentation by Dr. Genevieve Brown
66. Tables vs Charts
Tables
raw data
individual values
Charts
interpreted data
results as shapes
relationships in sets of values
67. 0
10000
20000
30000
40000
Most Populated Cities in M
38000
28000 25700
22700 22000 21700 21500 20000 19700 18700
Most Populated Cities in M
in M
City Population
in M
Tokyo 38,000
Delhi 28,000
Shanghai 25,700
Beijing 22,700
Mumbai 22,000
Sao Paulo 21,700
Mexico City 21,500
Cairo 20,000
Dakha 19,700
New York 18,700
71. THANK YOU!!!
Follow me on @LanguageCompass
Image Attributions
• For-fee accounts at 123rf.com & Clipart.com
• Collaboration with illustrators
• Logos and Trademarks belong to their owners
