TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
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.