In a previous article I presented the idea that a grammar book can be entertaining. In this article, I’ll attempt to persuade you that a language handbook can be useful.

What is a language handbook? Consider it style guide or a set of rules about how to use our English language.  Most handbooks, the Chicago Manual of Style included, can be very daunting.  They usually have a table of contents similar to an engineering specifications:  1.1.3.4.5.F  Comma Usage in Subordinate Clauses.   UGH!

I first came across The Brief Penguin Handbook, when I was teaching a technical writing class at Nazareth College.  First of all, there’s nothing brief about it and second of all, I have no idea what the Penguin is all about.  It is published by Pearson Longman, not Penguin.

Lester Faigley, the author, has successfully designed and written a book that students, and other people who must write, actually are attracted to and can find the information they are looking for.  The first 10 pages instruct you on how to use the book and colored, plastic tabs direct you to the different sections.  I particularly like how the publisher has allowed Faigley to use a visually appealing page design with callouts, colored photographs, and white space.  (My experience with older style manuals is that they look and feel like dictionaries.) 

This book uses quick referencing techniques such as the colored coded tabs, summary boxes, a detailed Table of Contents and Index, and distinguishable headings.  The publisher has also taken usability into consideration and packaged the text with an oversized ringed binding so the pages are easy to turn and the book lays open flat on the desk.  If you have ever tried looking up how to use the appropriate verb tense and type at the same time, you’ll appreciate this book design.

The book is divided into 10 parts:

Each part is divided into several small sections which handle very specific issues. One reason this handbook is superior is because it addresses new technologies such as websites and alternative delivery methods such as presentations, tables, and illustrations. It’s hard to find a style guide this is this thorough.

Now before you give up and say this is college textbook, remember that even in our professional work we have to write clearly, concisely, and completely. We also need to be correct with our language so the message conveys a confident image of ourselves, our organization, and the content. You don’t want your audience to be distracted because you were using unconventional grammar structures.

For more details about this book, visit http://wps.ablongman.com/long_faigley_penguinhb_1/.

Every corporate library needs a language handbook and Lester Faigley’s is the most easy to use with practical examples. And no, I don’t get a commission from the sales!

Please email me at LisaM@rgilearning.com if you have a particular issue or question you would like me to address in a future article.

Lisa Moretto is the President of RGI Learning, Inc. For 16 years she has helped engineers improve their oral and written communication skills. Visit www.rgilearning.com or call (585) 461-3617 to learn about RGI’s courses.

© 2007 RGI Learning

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