"shorthand" vs. plain writing style

[Joe Malin]

I think it works.

Translation of car repair manuals is fraught with peril, though. In
particular, if you're translating *into* English, *please* produce both
an American English and British English version. I have a motorcycle
manual written in British English that is a real struggle to understand.

	 Joe Malin
Technical Writer
(408)625-1623
jmalin at tuvox.com 
www.tuvox.com
The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not
necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc.	

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox.com at lists.techwr-l.com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox.com at lists.techwr-l.com] On Behalf
Of Yves Barbion
Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 2:13 AM
To: techwr-l at lists.techwr-l.com
Subject: "shorthand" vs. plain writing style

Hello techwhirlers,

I'm doing some research on car repair manuals. A typical writing style
here
seems to be some sort of "shorthand" English, in which articles and
pronouns
are omitted. For example:

- "Remove fuel tank cover."
- "Drain fuel tank and clean fuel filler neck and surrounding area."
- "Unscrew securing bolt and remove tank flap unit with rubber cup."
- "Remove securing bolts on filler neck."
- "Ensure fuel hoses are tight."

Any thoughts/opinions about this writing style? Pros and cons? Where
does
this writing style come from? Effect on the readability and
translatability
of the text?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards