Rhetoric And Technical Writing

I    attended a talk programme on “Current Trends in Graduate Education in Rhetoric and Writing Studies” by Dr. Lucia Dura, a Professor at the University of Texas, on 31 May 2024. The programme was organised by the Central Department of English (CDE), Kirtipur. It was chaired by the CDE Head Professor Dr. Jib Lal Sapkota. Professor Dura began by discussing the current trends of research in English Studies. She demonstrated the interdependence of English literature, rhetoric, and writing. She emphasised that scholars of English literature should now consider a broad range of topics beyond literary exploration. Stressing the utilitarian value of literature rather than sheer aesthetics, she highlighted the need to link English Studies with the job market. She listed numerous sectors including social justice, food, sports, cinema, security, health, medicine, and more, where scholars can engage and apply their technical writing skills.

Dura’s signpost came at a time when CDE has recently opened its door to students from all disciplines, encouraging them to study literature. The academic community is split over the advantages and disadvantages of this decision. Some scholars opine that English Studies should endorse multidisciplinary curricula that can attract students from all disciplines. A few of them assume that CDE’s decision to embrace non-literary areas in its course of studies will do no good to their department. This decision will weaken a reading culture by infecting literature. They argue that the importance of studying literature cannot be justified based on an increase or decrease in the number of enrollments. Even if a few scholars delve into the study of literature, they can significantly influence society for a positive change. 

Linking pedagogy to career opportunities is quite essential because seeking a career is an important part of the teaching profession. Educational institutions must align their programmes to match the demand of the local economy and available job prospects. However, overlooking the specific tasks and responsibilities associated with the study of literature, it is disheartening to argue in favour of integrating literature with science and technology. Literature offers a unique viewpoint on social harmony, development, economic growth, meditation, yoga, and other aspects. Pure literature can heal even trauma and mental health through cathartic purification. When we immerse in reading pure literature, the characters and situations described in the stories mirror our own real-life experiences. We feel our senses captivated by the power of narration. The artistic reflection of our circumstances in literature brings us immense delight. We experience sheer joy when our situations are met in the pages of books.

A society is sterile when it loses sensitivity, emotions, and consideration for others. The intactness of society is further strengthened when there is room in our hearts for others. However, we have observed that our heavy reliance on technology often isolates us from family members, friends, and relatives and impairs us emotionally. People today unhesitatingly employ provocative language even in situations that can easily be avoided. They even find amusement in situations where we anticipate seriousness and vice versa. They no longer embrace the usual delicacies. 

This is because they have been distanced from literature. Distraction from literature results in abnormal behaviour. In this context, rather than embracing the aesthetic value of literature, if we think of adjusting the enthusiasts of literature to seek some marginal space in multidisciplinary areas of learning, it will further weaken English Studies.  Instead of mixing literature with others, engaging scholars in both consumption and production of literature will contribute to establishing the worth of pure literature.

Misunderstandings about the term ‘rhetoric’ are prevalent in many contexts. Often people take it for technical writing. Though technical writing is also a part of rhetoric, it concentrates more on conveying complex information clearly and accurately. Many American universities employ literature instructors to teach immigrant students various technical writing skills, including composing business messages, letters, memos, prospectus, term papers, reports, summaries, and explications. These skills are typically covered in curricula known as ‘Rhetoric and Writing/Composition.” These skills, besides facilitating people to earn a livelihood, are unrelated to literature and do not fall under the domain of rhetoric or composition. They do not actively engage scholars in exploring various aspects of hermeneutics, which encompasses rhetoric, its practical application, and interpretation of theories, events, and characters across different genres of literature. 

The youths interested in studying literature should get an opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic literature. We need to rectify the misunderstanding that confuses rhetoric with technical writing only. If the Department of English Studies fails to proactively convey a message that literature holds the same significance as any other field of study, its future is grim. Encouraging scholars to diligently engage in their field of study and create genuine literary works can address the readers’ expectations and draw market attention.