How to Write Using International English

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

Course Overview

What Is International English?

Why Write Using International English?

How to Write in International English

Preparing Visual Content for Localization

Workshop Exercises

Summary

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

What Is International English?

A writing style that makes it cost effective to localize content

for markets worldwide• Includes translation of text and changes to graphics

• Emphasizes comprehension and cultural neutrality

Examples• User guides, technical documentation, presentations, websites, marketing

materials, training courses, knowledge base articles

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

Why use International EnglishBenefits of Using International English

Better communication

Improve the localization process

Lower translation costs

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

International English Best Practices

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Overview of Best Practices

Natural Voice

Simplify

Clarify

Choose Your Words

Reduce Sentence Complexity

Keep It Tight

Be Consistent

Respect Other Cultures

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

Natural Voice

Make sure your writing sounds natural

Avoid sentence constructions that sound awkward to

native English speakers

Read the text out loud to identify awkward passages

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Keep it Simple

Write clearly and directly

One thought per sentence

Be literal-minded• Helps the translator

• Aids comprehension in non-native English speakers

Use active voice as much as possible

Write to a 6th grade reading level

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Avoid verbs ending in -ize

• Budgetize, incentivize, monetize

• Emphasize, generalized, customized, standardized

• You’re looking to increase your productivity and minimize your

costs.

Choose Your Words – Parts of Speech

✗ ✓ You want to increase your productivity and reduce your costs.

✗ … which includes personalized, hands-on group training …

✓ ✓

… which includes private, hands-on group training …

… working in groups, you receive private, hands-on training …

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Choose Your Words – Parts of Speech

Articles• First occurrence of a noun use indefinite article – a or an

• Subsequent occurrences, use definite article – the

A list of choices will appear. Find your selection on the list.✓

The list of choices will appear. Find your selection on the list.✗

© 2011. Content Rules, Inc. All rights reserved.

Best PracticesRespect Other Cultures – MapsDon’t use maps, particularly those showing borders between countries

or regions

Depicting disputed territories can cause offense

Example:

• Showing Kurdistan on a map of Turkey

• Or the Kashmiri territory on a map of India