Cross-cultural marketer and international sales specialist

Global English To Avoid Miscommunication

by Cindy on October 8, 2008

Internationalize Your English

The widespread use of English in international business makes it easy to assume writing your content in English is enough.  All you need is to simply avoid slang and culturally specific English language phrases and vocabulary.

But it is not always that simple.  Miscommunication can still loom.  And through no fault of your own.

First ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you have a large number of non-native English speakers who read your English content?
  • Will you need to translate your English language content into several languages?

If you answer yes to either or both of these questions, then you need to take a closer look at your own communication.  This will help you avoid miscommunication.

There are two main reasons for the new trends in writing Global English or International English.

1 - Make Communication Easy

The rise in proportion of non-native English speakers online presents a unique perspective.

If you want to communicate well across non-native English speaking cultures, you need to adjust your communication.

2 - Make Translation Easy

An international company today often needs a website in over a dozen languages.  In fact, international companies usually have content in well over 20 languages.  And this number is increasing every year.

When you invest in multiple translations you will greatly appreciate starting with the right source text.

  • Your source text is easier to translate
  • The various translations will be more representative of your original text.

Another Perspective On Avoiding Miscommunication

During the recent Olympics in China examples of translation errors were widely available online.  Most were comical, some portrayed bad translation skills or the bad use of translation tools.

In international business you have a choice to make:

  • Will you or will you not take a step towards other cultures?

And will you do this with your own communication?

  • Will you communicate as you do at home?
  • Or will you make an effort to adapt your communication for everyone?

You see, if you really want to connect with different cultures, and especially with non-native English speakers, you need to turn towards them.

  • You need to be open to other cultures.
  • You need to adjust your communication…and your English.

When you adjust your English communication, your English becomes what is referred to as International English, or Global English.  It is English that is very easy to understand for different cultures.

International English or Global English is also a great source base for translations.

Read more on Internationalizing Your English in these articles:
- What Is International English?
- Translation Friendly International English
- Culture-Free Communication
- English For International Appeal
- Focus On Your Cultural Communication
- Cultural Differences In Testimonials
- Where To Learn How To Write International Or Global English
- Global English To Avoid Miscommunication
- Morphing Into A Foreign Culture
- What Flavor Is Your English?
- Adjust Your Own English Communication To Meet Other Language Levels
- Internationalize Your Own Communication
- A Multicultural Writer Gets More International Readers?
- Customize Your Content For Different Cultures

And read even more in the…
Get International Clients International Sales Road Map

International English

International English

What is international English and what can it do your for business?

Find out more here.

Culture customized content

Culture Customized Content

How can culture-customized content increase your international sales?

Find out more here.

Get International Clients Cindy King is a Cross-Cultural Marketer and International Sales Specialist, with over 25 years field experience in international business development.
Learn how you can get more international sales

{ 6 trackbacks }

Week 41 In Review : Get International Clients
10.12.08 at 18:43 pm
Where To Learn To Write International Or Global English
10.14.08 at 1:01 am
International English : Get International Clients
10.18.08 at 10:21 am
The Phases Of Cultural Communication You Go Through To Increase International Sales
10.18.08 at 11:27 am
What Is International English?
10.18.08 at 11:52 am
How Was Your Week 41?
10.24.08 at 19:10 pm

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