The Concepts of Writing and Editing

By

Obododimma Oha

Introduction

Every person that uses language has the need to make adjustments sometimes. This lecture will partly focus on why those adjustments are necessary sometimes. It will also try to explain the concept that are central to the course - - writing and editing. 

But let us look generally at the main issue here. Writing will be discussed in greater detail later but let us for now settle with the definition that it is an employment of symbols to which meanings are attached in some ways to convey an idea. So, right here at the very beginning we observe that writing calls for an ability to read. In that case, whether we write on a wall, a piece of paper, or a slate, there is the assumption that a human being later can process the piece of writing, which we call reading.

Thus, it is important for us to understand what we are doing when we are writing. We are doing other things like :

-- we are trying to share information. 

-- we are trying to affect the behavior of readers and  all who get the information.

-- we can change situations.

-- we can entertain?

-- Etc.

So, let us discuss in greater detail the concepts of writing and editing.

Writing :

As explained earlier, writing is the use of symbols (to which meanings are attached) to convey ideas. In other words, it can be observed. But that technology changes. It is rudimentary or manual when the human hand is used. But writing could also be with machine or electronic device. Each has its demands and challenges.

Manual writing is serious labour and involves monitoring or control by the brain. Electronic writing is also coordinated by the brain but there could differences. Also, these are skills and could be developed or hampered under certain conditions.

To sum, some reasons for writing are :

-- because the recipient could read and get the information

-- possibility of storing or saving the information

-- protecting and hiding the information

-- looking for an opportunity to show off skill in language use and to play with meaning.

Any language can be  written but it  has to be given a particular orthography. Some orthographies try to capture the phonological features of the language. Some don't. But, generally, writing is arbitrary. The symbols employed are not natural.

Editing :

Editing involves making changes to an already produced written text. The following are among the reasons an already written text can be given changes:

-- to eliminate an observed error

-- to make a written text more effective

-- to change the ideological direction of the text

-- to make the text tighter and better.

A person who is editing a text is expected to be highly proficient in the language in which that text was written. The editor in such a case does not have to be a native speaker. 

Both manually produced texts and electronically produced ones can be edited. Electronic means of editing can use Track Changes, which many computers have. In this case, the reader is able to see all the comments of the editor, but if editing symbols are used, it is assumed that the reader can grasp them and act as required.

The audience in editing is interesting. The text does not have to be written for the editor but that editor is now an audience! What happened? There could be an intended audience. So, the editor is a representative, a proxy. In that case, the audience could be direct or indirect.

Agents that act as editors to a text:

-- the computer

-- the teacher

-- the professional editor

The computer could teach or correct us. It does not have to use editing symbols before editing us. But one thing is to be noted: the computer imposes the forms of the language which it was initially given or configured. If it was American English, it would correct the writer to use American English forms.

To show that it is our teacher, it can underline expressions it thinks are non-compliant. Depending on the Apps installed, it may underline in red colour and so on.

Naturally, a teacher is an editor, identifying and correcting errors in texts, trying to make them better. The teacher is identified with the red pen! But the red pen is not to be feared!

In making texts, we are all expected to perform pre-writing and postwriting tasks. Nobody or no text is perfect. Only God is perfect. 

What this means is that we are all expected to edit our work, to become our own editors. How can we claim to be studying English when we are careless or casual in writing the language? 

Pre-writing tasks involve planning, to minimize errors. They include : outlining, writing in paragraphs to develop ideas, freewriting, etc. These will be discussed later in the appropriate topics.

Postwriting is the actual editing or what is done after producing the text to make it better. It is sometimes called proofreading. Postwriting tasks include correction of spelling errors, movement of paragraphs to ensure greater coherence, other checkings, etc. There could even be some unintended or imposed errors! Most of our computer devices do that a lot and it is wise to deactivate our data so as not to share the error.

Professional editors are employed to edit and can chew up a text! They can also employ professional editorial symbols. They are like directors of plays and could be fastidious. 

Concluding Remarks :

Editing is intended to make a text better and is not fault-finding. No writing is perfect. Students of a language face a challenge of making sure their writing is excellent.

Links to consult:

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-editing-1690631

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-editing-your-own-writing

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/editing/