Easy Guidelines For Writing International English

Do you need to communicate with a broad international audience?

Is your website an international website?

Here are some easy guidelines to follow to write better for an international audience:

American Or British

First, decide whether you will be using American or British spelling and vocabulary. There is no quick and easy rule here. Ask yourself where this will be read most.

• Will it be read by a majority of non-native English speakers located in former British colonies, in the European Union? If so, then British English might be your best choice.
• Are you writing for an American company? If so, then American English might be your best choice.

This is a strategic marketing decision.

Remember, with regards to writing International English, neither choice is right or wrong. It depends on who will be reading it and who you represent.

• You can internationalize both American and British English.

Once you choose whether you will write in American or British English, you then need to conform to the appropriate standard English usage.  Be logical, literal and precise.

Strip All Cultural References

Before you begin to internationalize your content, you need to take away all specific cultural flavor.  Get rid of:

• All cultural references.
• All colloquial phrases

Once you have a text devoid of cultural images, language and reference points, you can then edit your text for easy international comprehension.

Simplify Your English

People do not always use simple grammar.  We complicate sentences.

Non-native English speakers will understand your content much better if you:

Use:

• Short sentences
• Simple sentences
• Verbs in your sentences
• Complete sentences
• Words with only one meaning
• Easy to pronounce words
• Positive writing
• Lists
• A glossary

Avoid using:

• Verbs with “ing” where it is not appropriate
• The passive voice
• Adverbs
• Abbreviations and acronyms
• Wordiness and redundant text
• Numerical dates
• Long paragraphs
• Semi-colons
• Quotation marks
• Too much punctuation

Clarify Grammar

Here are some things you must always use properly:

• Clear pronouns
• “ing” words
• If…then
• Reference to something that is previously said
• The placement of descriptive words

Clarify Content

To help non-native English speakers understand your content, you need to:

• Be precise.
• Give explanations, directions where there might be confusion or a question.
• Make each sentence short and clear.
• Keep one thought per sentence.
• Keep one topic per paragraph.

Writing International English

Are your grammar lessons are a bit fuzzy?  Don’t worry, writing in International English is not an exact science.

It takes good cross-cultural communication skills.  And it also takes practice and experience in both writing and in international communication in general, to write one text to appeal to a broad international audience.

Read The Whole Story

This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 - Connect With Your International Markets This is where you can read more on how to connect with your international markets.