Technical Jargon in Technical Writing
As briefly covered in Common Issues in Technical Writing, technical jargon refers to specialized terms and phrases that are commonly used within a particular industry or profession. While jargon can facilitate communication among experts, its overuse or misuse in technical documentation can alienate non-expert readers, hinder understanding, and reduce the document’s accessibility. Addressing the causes, impacts, and solutions related to technical jargon is crucial for producing clear and user-friendly technical documentation.
Causes of Technical Jargon
Assumption of Reader Knowledge
Authors often assume that readers have the same level of expertise and familiarity with the jargon, leading to the use of complex terms without explanation.
Industry Norms
Certain industries have deeply ingrained jargon that professionals use regularly. This can unintentionally carry over into documentation intended for a broader audience.
Lack of Consideration for the Audience
When documentation is not tailored to the audience’s knowledge level, it can include jargon that is inappropriate for non-expert readers.
Impact of Technical Jargon
Reader Alienation
Overuse of technical jargon can make the content inaccessible to non-expert readers, causing frustration and disengagement.
Example:
- Jargon-Heavy: Utilize the HMI to interface with the PLC for real-time monitoring.
- Simplified: Use the touchscreen to monitor the system in real time.
Decreased Document Usability
Documents filled with jargon are harder to read and understand, reducing their usability and effectiveness for the intended audience.
Example:
- Jargon-Heavy: Ensure the API endpoints are RESTful to facilitate CRUD operations.
- Simplified: Make sure the API endpoints follow REST principles to support basic operations like creating, reading, updating, and deleting data.
Limited Audience Reach
Excessive jargon can limit the document’s audience to experts only, excluding novices and non-specialists who might also benefit from the information.
Example:
- Jargon-Heavy: The MOCVD process is critical for epitaxial layer deposition.
- Simplified: The MOCVD process is important for creating thin layers of material on a substrate.
Solutions for Technical Jargon
Define Technical Terms
Provide clear definitions for technical terms and jargon the first time they appear in the document. This helps non-expert readers understand and follow along.
Solution Example:
- Definition: The API (Application Programming Interface) allows different software systems to communicate with each other.
Use Simpler Language
Where possible, replace technical jargon with simpler, more universally understood terms without losing the technical accuracy.
Solution Example:
- Simplification: Instead of “calibrate the spectrophotometer,” use “adjust the device to measure light accurately.”
Include a Glossary
Create a glossary section that defines all the technical terms and jargon used in the document. This provides readers with a quick reference guide.
Solution Example:
- Glossary: Include a glossary at the end of the document with definitions for terms like “HMI,” “PLC,” and “API.”
Tailor Content to the Audience
Understand the knowledge level of the target audience and adjust the use of jargon accordingly. For mixed audiences, consider creating different versions of the documentation or including explanations for all terms.
Solution Example:
- Audience-Specific Content: Write separate sections or documents for experts and novices, or include detailed explanations alongside technical terms.
Conclusion
Technical jargon, while useful among experts, can hinder the effectiveness and accessibility of technical documentation for a broader audience. By defining technical terms, using simpler language, including a glossary, and tailoring content to the audience, technical writers can make documentation more inclusive and user-friendly. This approach enhances understanding, increases document usability, and ensures that valuable information is accessible to all intended readers.
