Light's 'Technical Writing and Professional Status': Fifty Years Later

摘要

Purpose: To present a significant historical document in the decades-long movement to professionalize technical communication Method: Historical analysis and textual editing Results: Light's 1961 article applied then-current definitions of a profession to technical writing and suggested that technical writers could become professionals only through formal education and training. Conclusions: On the 50th anniversary of its publication, Light's article illustrates the tenor of discussions about professionalization in the early years of our profession and invites comparison with current professionalization discussions.