RESPONSE TO SWALES & FEAK (pp.77-102).

Since Swales & Feak discuss fundamental language-related considerations at length in this chapter (as they do throughout the book), I will not elaborate on these, or on the information they provide relating to the interpretation of graphs, and will make a general observation regarding data commentary instead. The linguistic information provided by Swales & Feak speaks for itself and – being a comprehensive work – requires little elaboration. Data commentary involves – among others – discussing the implications of the data. This is however easier said than done since the meaning of data is bound to be colored (and even obscured) by our own perceptions and perspectives (and even our hidden bias). To this end it is important that our discussion of data within the research work be validated – especially so when our research draws on the words and perceptions of others. Participants need to be included in evaluating our writing prior to commencing with the writing of the final draft. This is a necessary step towards aiming for research work characterized by a greater sensitivity towards integrity.