Introduction

The Canadian Network for Interdisciplinary Research on Rhetoric and Writing brings together Canadian and international researchers in the field of writing studies. The objective of the Network is to advance the study and teaching of rhetoric, writing, and communication in all academic, business, government, and public contexts, including digital, visual, and multimedia communication.  Network members represent multiple disciplines, including English, rhetoric, linguistics and applied linguistics, communication studies, cognitive psychology, education, translation studies, new media studies, Internet studies, literacy studies, among others.

The need for such a network is apparent: despite the proliferation of new technologies, the written text remains at the heart of knowledge construction and dissemination, whether such text appears in print, is read on radio or television, or is displayed on the Web. In fact, the explosive development of the Internet has greatly increased the amount of writing that organizations, institutions, and researchers produce; yet, paradoxically, expertise in written communication remains scarce in most institutions and organizations.

Mission

The ability to communicate effectively in writing depends on a complex combination of knowledge and know-how, and the analysis and development of that expertise is the focus of CNIRRW research.  We believe that it is essential to promote the development and dissemination of expert knowledge in writing by bringing together specialists, practitioners and researchers from this field in North America and in Europe.

The Network’s activities centre around three axes: theoretical research; applied research and civic engagement; and the teaching of writing.

The CNIRRW emphasizes (1) the importance of rhetoric, writing, and communication in creating and sharing complex knowledge in the knowledge society; (2) the importance of both theoretical and applied research; (3) the importance of interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity, both nationally and internationally; and (4) the importance of linking institutional research and social needs through the field of public communication.

Objectives

·        To promote innovative research into writing studies, based on established protocols;

·        To promote applied research that engages with the public and that underscores the social impact of writing competency;

·        To make this expert knowledge accessible to the educational community struggling with the challenge of teaching students to write and communicate across the disciplines and professions.

·        To coordinate and facilitate virtual and interactive exchange and collaboration between researchers, specialists, and students in writing studies, via the Web.