You need to think globally when you write for an international
audience. Conventions that you take for granted in your own language and
culture are often different in other parts of the world. Keep in mind the
following guidelines when you write for an international audience:
-
Do not use examples that are culturally bound, such as names
of places that are unrecognizable to people in other countries.
-
Do not use political or religious references. Make sure that
when you give examples, the machine names, login names, and so on are not
culturally offensive. Do not use examples from political or religious spheres.
-
Be aware that calendar conventions vary from country to
country.
-
Do not use humor. A great joke in one culture can provoke
complete bewilderment in another culture.
-
Do not use colloquial language. Everyday sayings are very
difficult to translate and are usually meaningless if the translator translates
the saying word-for-word. If you use colloquial phrases then the translator has
to interpret what you want to say, which can cause ambiguity or inaccuracy.