The visible voice: Typographical distinction in thesis writing

Abstract

In 2012 Paltridge, Starfield, Ravelli and Tuckwell noted that recent exegetical doctoral writing does 'not necessarily have to fit with a pre-conceived template, or indeed straight-jacket' (342). In discussing a diversity of approaches taken to developing the tenor of the scholar's voice, the essay built on a heritage of discourse that has examined the nature of subjective academic writing. This article contributes to that discourse but with an emphasis that is less commonly discussed. It considers the role of typography in constructing academic dialect and communicative quality in exegetical writing. Employing four case studies from practice-led, creative research projects undertaken in visual communication design at a New Zealand University between 2011 and 2015, it examines the contribution typography makes to identity construction in academic writing. In addition, it unpacks ways in which individual researchers navigate the shape of language when communicating both the content and ethos of their thesis writing.