In my opinion Elizaeth Wardle is basically talking about adapting. Adapting to new situations, environments, and also just getting acclimated to your new work space.
Identity, Authority, and Learning to write in your new workplace.
In my opinion, writing identity can be defined as your own personal writing style. You know how you can tell brands apart by their label? How you can tell Gucci is Gucci when you see it, your writing identity should be like that. It shouldn’t matter what type of writing assignment you’re doing, if the reader is familiar with how you write they should be able to know they are reading your work without reading your name. Create your writing identity and own your writing.
Authority. Your writing should have authority. Own your words, say what you want. Wardle says, Authority is bestowed by institutions, can be just as easily withdrawn by those same institutions or its members, and must be maintained through appropriate expressions of authority (Bourdieu). In Alan’s case, his authority was withdrawn because he word choice was not appropriate in that setting.
It seems like Alan did not adjust to his new work environment. It’s like when you’re in the acceleration lane trying to merge onto the highway. You can’t get on the highway doing 20 miles per hour. You have to adjust to the flow of traffic. Alan did not adjust to the flow of his new workplace. Alan was not seen as being appropriate at his workplace because he did not adjust.
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