UK/US English

Subject: UK/US English
From: "George F. Hayhoe" <george -at- GHAYHOE -dot- COM>
Date: Sat, 8 May 1999 12:40:51 -0400

Scott Browne asked:

<<Because this product will be marketed to an American
audience, should the
docs use US English spellings, or should it use the same UK
English
spellings which the user will actually see on the
interface?>

I generally agree with the earlier responders that the
documentation should match what the users will see on the
screen. As Matt Ion alluded, most members of the US audience
will be sophisticated enough to recognize an occasional
British spelling and not be distracted by it.

But perhaps this is a good opportunity for some usability
testing with potential American users. That would be an
excellent way to determine user responses to the interface
with British spellings and could provide compelling
arguments for changes in the next release.

--George Hayhoe (george -at- ghayhoe -dot- com)

George Hayhoe Associates
Voice: +1 (803) 642-2156
Fax: +1 (803) 642-9325
http://www.ghayhoe.com

Winner
APEX '98 Award for Publication Excellence

Awards of Distinguished Technical Communication
South Carolina/Carolina Foothills STC Chapters
1998-99 Technical Publications Competition

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