Chapter 16 Writing For A Diverse Audience

Chapter 16 Writing for a Diverse Audience

Four categories English primary language English second language English translated into their language Written first in their primary language

50% of Web is in another language

Style Tips Use shorter sentences than 16 words Use relative pronouns (that, which) rather than a semicolon or em-dash Avoid abbreviations, acronyms and jargon Avoid slang, humor, colloquialisms & metaphors Do not use Latin abbreviations Avoid negative construction

Grammar Tips Write in active (present) voice Avoid infinitive (to create), present participle (creating) and past participle (created). Avoid complex sentences. Avoid the pronoun “it.” Ensure elements of a sentence are parallel

Terminology Tips Don’t create or use new terminology Avoid culture-specific words Avoid abbreviations and symbols Include a glossary for terms Avoid “us/them” terms (domestic, foreign).

Punctuation Tips Use the punctuation of the reader

Icons and Images Avoid hand arm gestures Avoid animal nature/icons Be aware colors facial expressions body language sexual images symbols reading direction flags tools and instruments math (+ *) and music

Bias-Free Writing Gender, ethnic, group, religion, age, ability/disability or sexual orientation

Writing for Low-Literacy Audiences 23% of Americans read below 8th grade level Nearly 40% for some groups Use Flesch Formula in Word