por What is a technological text?
A technological text It is a written production whose objective is to educate and train around some technological innovation or the use of technologies. With the rise of the information age and digital innovations, this type of text has been growing.
Issuers use this textual tool to transfer knowledge and thus train those who read to them on the handling of some type of electronic equipment or software.
Even though the language used in the elaboration of these texts is extremely simple, they normally require that whoever is going to dispose of them have, at least, basic previous knowledge about technology. This is the only way to guarantee that what is exposed there can be assimilated exactly.
If there is no prior induction or contact with the technology by the recipient, there is a small margin of possibility that the device or software will not be able to be handled.
What are technological texts for?
Unlike scientific texts, with which this type of written production tends to be confused, technological texts, due to their scope, are global-inductive.
They do not come to demonstrate research results, but are literally teaching manuals for the presentation and use of an artifact.
It has reached a point where humanity cannot do without this type of written production. From coffee makers, cell phones, refrigerators, calculators, thermometers, all equipment is accompanied by these texts. Technology has surrounded the world, it is in every corner, applied to every basic aspect of life.
The technology companies, the main ones in charge of preparing these texts, know that seeking to understand these written productions is no longer a matter of choice on the part of citizens, but of obligation to be prepared to assume the changes that surround them.
Characteristics of technological texts
Clarity in writing
It is a key element present in this type of text. They present well-crafted sentences, organized in a simple way, seeking to avoid implicit meanings, that is, everything is clearly explained.
Contrary to what is thought, due to the obvious theme that this type of text handles, the vast majority have simplicity in their syntax. Of course, there are texts that, because they are aimed at users who are more capable and familiar with this field, are lexically more complex, that is, they may contain more specialized terms.
They are inductive
By its very nature, its purpose is training, making the encounter between the user and the machine not traumatic. Due to the above, it is normal that most of these texts are user manuals for technological equipment.
All creations of a technological nature necessarily have these texts for their understanding.
They can be viewed as an instruction guide showing the user the features of the equipment or software they purchased, and then how it should be used.
Also there, in the text, the actions that must be taken if a simple defect occurs are clearly stated, with a language that is fully accessible to the public. Of course, if it is a major failure, they also recommend going to specialists.
In short, the key objective of this type of text is to guide the user on the correct use of the equipment in his hands to get the most out of it.
They are methodical
This goes hand in hand with the inductivity of this type of text. Everything that is explained is done step by step and described in detail to avoid losing the user’s attention.
To achieve this, the issuer uses simple and effective words to convey knowledge about the operation of the equipment in question.
Use of diagrams and explanatory images
All of these texts, because they are aimed at handling equipment or software, have diagrams and iconographies that allow the reader-user to easily locate themselves around the device or program. They are a valuable teaching tool.
These resources are of great help for recipients, especially for those who do not have as much experience in handling technology.
The simple fact of seeing an image that alludes to what the text explains, manages to break the barriers of fear that normally arises when approaching this field of writing.
precise ideas
In these texts, ambiguity in terminology and, of course, the use of subjectivemas are avoided as much as possible. An attempt is made to use words that contextually have a single meaning, to avoid any kind of confusion on the part of the reader.
universality
If there is something that characterizes these texts, it is the fact that they can be read anywhere on the planet, by any of the people to whom they are addressed, and be fully understood.
In order to achieve what is stated in the previous paragraph, the issuers have the use of what is known as “neutral language”, a language without traces of dialects, that is, a broad and general language.
Specific terms are also used that do not present great complexity or difficulty in case a translation into another language is required.
executable
It is extremely necessary that everything exposed in the technological texts be verifiable in the equipment and/or software for which they were prepared. In addition to demonstrating what is stated in the manuals, it is required that each step highlighted in the text be easy to carry out on the real plane.
Broadly speaking, one of the main objectives of this type of text is to simplify the lives of users and bring them closer to technology.
Examples of technological texts
Example 1
(Team presentation)
“The new Kimite 3000 is the most innovative cell phone on the market. It has the latest Android system, it also has a processor quad core 4.4 GHz. It has a 4 GB RAM memory and an internal memory of 1 TB. As if that were not enough, you have the possibility of expanding the memory.
It has a 7.1-inch HD 1080p screen with built-in anti-scratch protection and anti-spyware technology.
Its 14 MP camera with its double focus for 3D perspective images will make users hallucinate. On top of this, the fast and slow motion options provide endless possibilities.
The Kimite 3000 has been, without a doubt, his best choice”.
Example 2
(Table of contents for users on the handling of a cellular equipment “x”)
«Basic notions
P.
4.- Please read the following carefully before starting to use the equipment.
6.- What to do if the equipment overheats?
10.- Cell phone design and basic functions.
Correct use of the battery.
21.- Location of the SIM card.
24.- How to use the memory card correctly.
27.- How to turn the device on and off correctly.
28.- How to transfer data from an old device.
35.- How to use the screen correctly.
40.- How to respond to notifications.
45.- Correct care of the equipment”.
This represents the basic information that any user can find when purchasing a cell phone. It is a technological text with a marked inductive characteristic.
Of course, each section explicitly contains what is indicated in the table of contents. In the following example a sample will be made.
Example 3
“6.- What to do if the equipment overheats?
Solutions for equipment overheating
Perform the following steps when your mobile device overheats:
Remove the charger from the phone and close all open applications on the screen. Wait for the phone to cool down and then charge it again.
If the device underheats, the USB cable may be faulty. Change the cable to one that is preferably from the brand of the device.
If you are going to use the wireless charger, avoid placing foreign materials such as metal or any magnetized object between the mobile phone and the wireless charger. That can affect the load.”
References
Hernandez Rios, A. (2013). technological texts. Mexico: Tecámac Technological University. Retrieved from: expresionoralyescrita1.files.wordpress.com
Technological text. (S.f.). (N/a): WordPress.com. Retrieved from: carlosisro505.wordpress.com
Differences between technological and scientific text. (N/a): Docs.Google. Retrieved from: docs.google.com
Susanna, E. (2008). Types of text and their characteristics. Mexico: Blogger. Recovered from: ednna-susana.blogspot.com
Ramírez García, A. (2014). Scientific and technological texts. (n/a): WordPress. Recovered from: bovilandia.wordpress.com