Bridge the Jargon Divide
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ERIC Institute of Education Sciences
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Recurso educativo Open Access |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
2004
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| _version_ | 1867181925418926080 |
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| author | Tennant, Roy |
| author_facet | Tennant, Roy Tennant, Roy |
| collection | Education Resources Information Center |
| contents | Bridge the Jargon Divide Tennant, Roy Technology Jargon Electronic Libraries Libraries Communication Problems Interprofessional Relationship We all hate jargon that we do not understand. It leaves us feeling confused, frustrated, and belittled. We simultaneously wonder why we do not know what the terms mean and why the speaker does not explain them or use more understandable language. Communication between those "in the know" and those not in the know has always been an issue and will no doubt continue to be. But there are steps both sides can take to mitigate the problem. Still, jargon is sometimes inescapable. Accuracy often dictates that an exact term be used. Or there may be no reasonable substitute. In these cases, a basic definition of the term should be offered, preferably through a link to a simple explanation (in the case of a web page), a quick description in the body of an article, or a reference to an additional resource in a bibliography. Anything worth saying is worth being understood. Another issue is attitude. Too many techies feel superior to nontechies, whether they will admit it or not. Some even riducule and poke fun at nontechies and their ignorance of technical topics. It is important for techies to realize that we are not superior because we know about technical topics--our knowledge simply lies in a specific, albeit important, area. Many of our colleagues are more knowledgeable in other, equally important areas. People to whom technical understanding comes easier, should bring their colleagues along in this ever-changing world of technological advancement. Explain technical topics in simple, direct, easily understood terms. Define jargon when speaking with people to whom it is new. Demonstrate in specific ways how technology can help all of us to advance the mission and goals of our libraries. Techies should, in other words, dump the attitude and do what they can to include nontechie colleagues and not alienate them. Nontechies have their own responsibilities. When faced with technical jargon, they should demand an understandable explanation, ask questions until they're satisfied, and learn about technical topics so as not to rely on others to bail them out of scenarios that they should be able to handle. Knowledge is power. Non Techies should know enough about technology and what it can and cannot do. This way they will be able to detect when they are being snowed. If they know for a fact that a given task is achievable, no one will be able to tell them that it is overly difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. Both sides of this issue should find ways to come together to achieve their common goals. |
| format | Recurso educativo Open Access |
| id | eric_EJ702728 |
| institution | ERIC Institute of Education Sciences |
| language | en |
| publishDate | 2004 |
| record_format | eric |
| spellingShingle | Bridge the Jargon Divide Tennant, Roy Technology Jargon Electronic Libraries Libraries Communication Problems Interprofessional Relationship Bridge the Jargon Divide Tennant, Roy Technology Jargon Electronic Libraries Libraries Communication Problems Interprofessional Relationship We all hate jargon that we do not understand. It leaves us feeling confused, frustrated, and belittled. We simultaneously wonder why we do not know what the terms mean and why the speaker does not explain them or use more understandable language. Communication between those "in the know" and those not in the know has always been an issue and will no doubt continue to be. But there are steps both sides can take to mitigate the problem. Still, jargon is sometimes inescapable. Accuracy often dictates that an exact term be used. Or there may be no reasonable substitute. In these cases, a basic definition of the term should be offered, preferably through a link to a simple explanation (in the case of a web page), a quick description in the body of an article, or a reference to an additional resource in a bibliography. Anything worth saying is worth being understood. Another issue is attitude. Too many techies feel superior to nontechies, whether they will admit it or not. Some even riducule and poke fun at nontechies and their ignorance of technical topics. It is important for techies to realize that we are not superior because we know about technical topics--our knowledge simply lies in a specific, albeit important, area. Many of our colleagues are more knowledgeable in other, equally important areas. People to whom technical understanding comes easier, should bring their colleagues along in this ever-changing world of technological advancement. Explain technical topics in simple, direct, easily understood terms. Define jargon when speaking with people to whom it is new. Demonstrate in specific ways how technology can help all of us to advance the mission and goals of our libraries. Techies should, in other words, dump the attitude and do what they can to include nontechie colleagues and not alienate them. Nontechies have their own responsibilities. When faced with technical jargon, they should demand an understandable explanation, ask questions until they're satisfied, and learn about technical topics so as not to rely on others to bail them out of scenarios that they should be able to handle. Knowledge is power. Non Techies should know enough about technology and what it can and cannot do. This way they will be able to detect when they are being snowed. If they know for a fact that a given task is achievable, no one will be able to tell them that it is overly difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. Both sides of this issue should find ways to come together to achieve their common goals. |
| title | Bridge the Jargon Divide |
| topic | Technology Jargon Electronic Libraries Libraries Communication Problems Interprofessional Relationship |
| url | https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ702728 |