Research manuscript writing habits of Japanese authors

Japan publishes on the order of 50-thousand peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts each year, which ranks number 3 in the world; however, the citation impact of these manuscripts ranks drastically lower. Most of these manuscripts are published in English; thus, research writing is a huge sector in the language services industry. Editors and translators can enhance manuscript success in the course of providing language services. Of course inadequate English language skills contribute to ineffective writing, but unfamiliarity with the conventions of research writing and deeper structural and substantive problems are often more serious issues. The speaker will review some essential characteristics of research manuscripts. Then using examples from edits and translations of Japanese-authored manuscripts, we will explore common bad habits that limit publication impact. Participants are invited to submit in advance relevant questions and specific topics they would like included and to actively discuss during the session the issues that arise.