<b>The Candlin Lecture Communicative expertise

The mutation of expertise and expert systems in contemporary professional practice

Authors

  • Srikant Sarangi Aalborg University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/japl.37507

Keywords:

competence, decision-making, expert system, communicative expertise, distributed expertise, intuition, lay expertise, novice, professional expertise

Abstract

In this conceptual paper, I begin with a differentiation between generic 'competence' and professional 'expertise', the latter being manifest at the communicative level. I characterise professional expertise more broadly to include 'communicative expertise' as well as 'distributed expertise'. With regard to decision-making, expertise is no longer seen as an attribute of individuals deriving from scientific knowledge and practical experience. Instead, 'distributed expertise' in its mediated format underpins decisionmaking in many professional and institutional settings. I then extend the notion of 'distributed expertise' as constitutive of 'lay expertise' and 'expert systems'. Access to and use of 'expert systems' in optimal ways inevitably reconfigures the very conditions and consequences of professional expertise. I argue that 'communicative expertise' in professional practice comprises not only knowledge/skill about the mechanics of communication but also the channels through which the other types of knowledge/skill (including scientific, experiential, relational, technological, organisational, legal and ethical) are communicated in real-life settings.

Author Biography

  • Srikant Sarangi, Aalborg University

    Srikant Sarangi is Professor in Humanities and Medicine and Director of the Danish Institute of Humanities and Medicine (DIHM) at Aalborg University, Denmark. Between 1993 and 2013, he was Professor in Language and Communication and Director of the Health Communication Research Centre at Cardiff University (UK), where he continues as Honorary Professor. Other current affiliations include Adjunct Professorship at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway, Visiting Professorship at University of Jyväskylä, Finland and Visiting Professorship at the College of Medicine, Qatar University. In 2012, he was awarded the title of 'Fellow' by the Academy of Social Sciences, UK. His research interests are in institutional/professional discourse studies (e.g., healthcare, social work, bureaucracy, education) and applied linguistics. He is editor of Text & Talk; Communication & Medicine and Journal of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice.

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Published

2018-12-31

Issue

Section

Special Features

How to Cite

Sarangi, S. (2018). <b>The Candlin Lecture Communicative expertise: The mutation of expertise and expert systems in contemporary professional practice. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice, 13(1-3), 371-392. https://doi.org/10.1558/japl.37507

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