Tips for Writing International Technical Documentation

FAQ on Technical Writing

Many businesses today are eager to work globally and sell their products all over the world. A situation like that surely makes technical writers adapt to the new reality. Do you create technical documentation for the global market? If you do, you definitely know that it is not the same as creating technical documentation for local markets. Even countries that speak the same language actually use its different versions. For example, Spanish is not the same in Spain and Mexico; English is not the same in the USA and UK.

Moreover, if you use English for international audiences, you need to simplify it to make sure non-native speakers are able to understand it.

Here are my tips for creating high-quality international technical documentation:

1. If you write in English, make it global. It means you should avoid local vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, jargon, slang, and cultural or sports references. Use generalized grammar. Make sure your word choice is controlled. Your language should be easy to understand not only for native speakers but for non-native speakers as well.
2. Use simple sentences and syntactic structures. It contributes to creating clear and unambiguous texts that easily convey information.
3. Use additional space. If your docs are going to be translated, most probably, you’ll face a lot of problems with text expansion. Your text may become up to 30% longer when translated into another language. If you need to keep the layout and design of your document, make sure you have additional space.
4. Use images, illustrations, and graphics correctly. Localize them if needed. If your visuals contain text, make sure they are fully editable. If they contain no text, they can be used for any market. So, you don’t have to use words to guide customers.
5. Don’t forget about such things as currency, measurements, date and time formats, etc. They vary from country to country. Surely, your documentation needs localization in case it contains data like that. Another thing that may cause problems is symbols. Not all of them are international, and not all of them have the same meaning in different cultures.
6. Pay attention to such small details as, for example, colors. They may have opposite meanings in different cultures. In one culture, red may be associated with prosperity, and in another culture with cruelty or danger. The best solution is to either choose a neutral color or to use a suitable color for every country.

International documentation creates a positive image of a product and a brand in general. It is vital to have it. Customers do not want to use a product if they do not know how to do that and they do not get enough support. High-quality technical documentation is a must for any international business.

How did I become a technical writer? What skills do you need? Read FAQ on Technical Writing.

FAQ on Technical Writing