BOOK: A Guide to Writing for the United Nations, by W. H. Hindle
W. H. Hindle, a career editor for the UN, wrote a guide on how to write clearly for the organization. Peppered with gems (pointing out the “sonorous polysyllables” with their …
Category: International readers
Plain language as a bridge where there is no shared culture
In diverse settings, we can’t rely on “common sense” to communicate. That’s why we need plain language: to make the unspokens explicit. In 2022, I went to Tokyo to attend …
Are phrasal verbs difficult? Writing for international readers
Looking up phrasal verbs in a dictionary is a pain. That’s why you may want to reconsider using them if you’re writing for non-fluent English speakers. Plain language guidelines suggest …
Some contractions are easier than others: Writing for international readers
Do you use contractions (like “it’s” and “don’t”) in your writing? I do! But some kinds of contractions may be easier than others for readers to follow. Do you use …
Writing clear English for diverse audiences
We’re advised to tailor our writing to our audiences. But what if our intended audience is very diverse? What can we do to write as clearly as possible?
Presenting in clear English for diverse audiences
Need to present to a diverse, international audience? Here are some tips.