Navigating Genres Analysis

Kerry Dirk, the author of Navigating Genres, explains about the topic of genre. In her article, Dirk argues that the word ‘genre’ is not limited to types of books such as, mystery, horror, action, adventure, etc. For example, she states in her article that,” The definition of genre has changed even more since Bitzer’s article was written; genres are now viewed as even more than repeating rhetorical situations” (Dirk 252). In short, Dirk is saying that genre is a method to help people accomplish goals. These goals can be accomplished by knowing who the audience is and what the purpose of one’s work is. In essence, understanding the concept of genre allows people to become better writers, but more importantly, to be more effective communicators.