Framing Undocumented Migrants as Tactical Technical Communicators: The Tactical in Humanitarian Technical Communication

Abstract

Tactical technical communication can help us understand the indirect ways migrants are communicating with humanitarian organizations. Miles Kimball’s definition of tactical technical communication argues that users are laterally communicating problem-solving instructions to each other in direct ways under the strategies of organizations that impose technology. Take DIY culture on YouTube where users can upload and view videos on homebrew solutions to using a technology. This project wants to adopt and adapt this definition of tactical technical communication to argue that migrants are communicating problem-solving instructions to humanitarian operations through indirect methods. For example, migrants in the Sonora desert leave behind litter, footprints, and depressed vegetation to tell humanitarian operation Humane Borders where and when to place water stations. Our field’s recognition of these forms of indirect communication as tactical communication opens avenues for our intervention and improvement of the response from these humanitarian operations.