Writer's Block

A language is more than the symbols we use to communicate our thoughts and ideas, but what happens when these symbols — the means we use to document our language — are relegated to an art form or slowly influenced by other encroaching cultures? In this issue’s feature, writer Tracy Pomerinke takes a closer look at Chinese script, its use today, and the factors that are endangering its preservation.

	Character Assassination The written language of China has the potential to create new international dialogue — writer Tracy Pomerinke examines whether the endangered script will survive long enough to do it.
	Does Globalization Spell Trouble for Technical Writers? The Negative Effects of Free Trade May Not Be Limited to the Manufacturing Sector Peter Zvalo considers the potential effect of globalization on technical writers.
	Novel Ideas: Contemporary Writers Share the Creative Process Terence Carter reviews Barbara Shoup and Margaret Love Denman’s book on novel writing.
	Carnie Talk Origins Guy goes to the carnival.
	A poem by Leila S. Goldberger