Lost in translation? The challenges of non-native English-speaking UX Writers and their leads
Strategies for non-native English-speaking UX writers to excel in English-dominated industries
Last month, I attended Button 2023, a Conference for UX writers and Content Designers—it was like finding my tribe! Amidst all the great discussions, one topic really stuck with me: the challenges faced by non-native English-speaking (NNES) UX professionals.
Had a chat with someone (a native English-speaking UX writer) managing a UX team in India. They’d crafted style guides but were wrestling with the language nuances. Here’s the dilemma: how to handle content design crits without making the team uneasy about their English skills?
My take?
reframe feedback constructively,
focus on overall user experience and clarity rather than language proficiency, and
make it a collaborative effort.
Their situation was unique—designers doubling as UX writers, and hiring dedicated writers wasn’t an immediate option. To support her team in India, we brainstormed some out-of-the-box strategies.
I’ll share a summary of those (and more) with you here today.
The bright and dark side of being an NNES UX Writer in English
The dark side
NNES UX writers deal with linguistic nuances and cultural differences. It's a tightrope walk to convey ideas precisely, avoiding subtle misunderstandings. And in English-dominated industries, the pressure to conform to standards can be overwhelming.
Additionally, overcoming potential biases or misconceptions can be an uphill battle.
The bright side
But, let's flip the narrative. NNES writers bring diverse perspectives and cultural richness, adding layers to content that native speakers might overlook. Their insights into international user behaviour and empathy for diverse users are gold.
The power of storytelling from different cultural backgrounds is a creative force that sets NNES UX writers apart.
So, should you be an NNES UX writer?
Of course! Embrace your cultural diversity. Make it a strength, and don't shy away from incorporating elements of your culture into your work. Authenticity is a powerful tool!
Strategies to thrive as an NNES UX Writer
Continuous learning This…is the key! Engage in language courses tailored for writers. Immerse yourself in English literature and media to refine your language skills. Join writing communities for feedback. Attend events, webinars, and workshops to stay informed and on the top of your game.
I’m curating a list of events that can benefit UX writers and will share them soon.
Network and get mentors Build a network of experienced UX writers who can offer guidance on language-specific challenges. Attend industry events and webinars to expand your network. Seek mentorship from professionals who understand the nuances of writing in English as a non-native speaker.
Tweak your portfolio In your portfolio, showcase your linguistic versatility. Highlight projects that required cross-cultural understanding, emphasizing your ability to connect with diverse audiences. Showcase your problem-solving skills in overcoming language barriers, demonstrating the unique value you bring to the table.
I’d be more than happy to guide you with all these. Hit me up at takeoff@uxwritingbud.com.
Strategies for Guiding NNES UX Teams
Fundamentally, linguistic nuance is about culture and how people 'think' in a language, and it comes from 'lived' experiences. In the Q&A followed by Francesca Rodriguez Sawaya’s keynote on storytelling, she talked about how she thinks differently in Spanish and English. This is true for me, too, a native Hindi speaker.
Create self-serving resources Develop style guides and resources. Establish a controlled vocabulary to ensure consistency in language use across projects. These resources will serve as valuable references, providing clarity and guidance. Imagine creating a style guide with examples of preferred terms and phrases, ensuring clarity and unity in the team's writing.
Use visual aids and examples Provide visual materials illustrating fundamental design principles. Include real-world examples of effective UX writing, such as before-and-after scenarios, to help your team understand the practical application of these principles in different contexts.
Simplify and translate the language Encourage clear and concise language. Avoid jargon, slang, and technical terms that might be unfamiliar. Provide translations or explanations for key terms to ensure a shared understanding among team members, regardless of their language background.
Encourage collaboration and feedback Foster collaborative peer feedback during design crits where members share their insights openly, resulting in a more refined and culturally sensitive user experience. Model these discussions around improvement rather than critique to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Deeper analysis of user personas User personas are great. But understand that NNES UX Writers are still writing for a fictional figure. Team leads/members who are native-English speakers or have lived in those geographies have the power to make those personas human and relatable for their team. Discuss the unknown, unseen elements of a person’s day, behaviours, upbringing, motivations, etc., with your team.
Incorporate cultural diversity and sensitivity Acknowledge and respect cultural differences. Discuss the impact of cultural nuances on UX design decisions and incorporate diverse cultural references into a product to create a more inclusive and empathetic user experience.
Feeling a bit lost on execution?
Wondering that your team might feel attacked? I get you. I’d love to help you deliver similar top-notch results by
showing you the ropes - 1:1 mentoring on making it as an NNES UX professional (Free of cost)
tweaking your process - review and provide constructive feedback on your actual work (Free of cost; limited slots)
training your team - group workshops and interactive sessions to deconstruct user persona and cultural contexts and decode language nuances (Paid; Virtual)
Drop me an email at takeoff@uxwritingbud.com. The first few discussions are free.
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