Nadia Ballard
	Nadia Ballard Consulting

	Why do writing for international audiences rules exist?
	What lies behind these rules?
	Why can’t a simple literal translation do the job?
	How are international audiences different from domestic ones?

	Internationalization:
		making sure that a technical document is easily understandable around the world by eliminating culture- or language- specific references, using simple English, internationally recognizable graphics, and standard format and text organization.
	Localization:
		making sure that a technical document is easily understandable in a specific country by translating it in its particular language or dialect and using culturally specific references, graphics, writing style, formatting and text organization.

	Dear Sir:
	Your name and address were referred to me by the Illinois Department of
	Agriculture--Far East Office. They stated that you had expressed an
	interest in our products and requested further information.
	I am therefore enclosing a brochure which itemizes our products and
	services. Please let me know your exact requirements. I will be happy to
	provide you with further details.
	Thank you for your participation at the Illinois Slide and Catalog Show. I
	look forward to your reply.
	Sincerely,
	Pete Jones
	Director of Sales

	Dear Mr. Yen Zen-jiu:
	I hope you have  had a safe journey home and that you found your family in good health.
	The midwestern part of our country where you graciously visited continues to have wet
	weather, but I am thankful for the rain after our two years of drought.
	Ag-World wishes to thank you for your participation at the state Agricultural
	Convention and for stopping by our booth.
	Our firm is situated in Bloomington, Illinois, the heart of grain and cattle country. It has
	a history of 10 years’ experience in selling livestock and livestock equipment. It has trade
	relations with more than 45 countries in the world. Our firm is well known for its excellent
	service and good quality products.
	In 1987 we sold 168 hogs to China. We wish to establish relations with China on a
	regular basis. We would like to know whether our breeding livestock and livestock
	equipment, such as Pork-Preg, Pork-alert, and Beef-o-meter, could benefit you in any way. I
	will be very happy to provide you with further information.
	May your seasons be fruitful and plentiful.
	Sincerely,
	Pete Jones

	Discuss the subject in a linear, focused manner
	Use deductive logic
	Include moderate amount of data and supportive facts
	Use passive voice sparingly
	Address the reader informally
	Do not rely on previously acquired knowledge
	Describe acronyms and special terms thoroughly
	Include warnings for every possible situation
	Use imperative commands

	Japanese reader: The technical manual of this product is too difficult. I lack the intelligence to use this machine.
	French reader: This American manual has so many warnings. I would not dare to touch this machine. It is just too dangerous.
	American reader: Why do they design such hazardous equipment? I am going to sue them if I can blame my operation failures on their inadequate manual.
	(Ulijn, 84)

	Romance, Middle Eastern, Slavic cultures:
		multi-layered discussion, digressions, circular pattern
	Anglo-Germanic cultures:
		linear, systematic, task-oriented discussion
	Far Eastern cultures:
		polite, indirect discussion, favoring raw data, solid evidence and stable conclusions

	Latin and Japanese cultures:
		solicitous comments, personal references, simultaneous discussion of several subjects
	African cultures:
		numerous exaggerations, embellishments, metaphors

	Low-context cultures (US, Germany, Scandinavian countries, Hungary):
		gradual build from simple to complex tasks and concepts.
	High-context cultures (Japan, China, Thailand):
		draw from past knowledge, shared concepts, and conventions.

	Low-context cultures want to know:
	HOW
	something works
	High-context cultures want to know:
	WHY
	something works that way

	...give them a better chance to understand your message by
	INTERNATIONALIZING.

	Follow the common rules:
	Write in present tense using consistent terms and simple sentence structures
	Avoid cultural references such as humor, idioms, pop-culture references, word play, etc.
	Construct flexible, self-contained paragraphs that can be easily understood and rearranged
	Use a more neutral, formal tone and style
	Provide more detail and background information than you would for American audiences

	Applying the rules can help you:
	Refresh your knowledge of grammar
	Brush up on your vocabulary
	Examine and even improve your writing style
	Learn more about different cultures
	Look at your writing and your job from a fresh new perspective

	Increase Profits
	Allow Exposure
	Distinguish your products from the competition
	Increase market share