5 Tips for Blogging in English

by Junnette on January 22, 2009

….if it’s not your native language.

More and more non-native English speakers are using the Internet, according to the latest statistics.

But English remains as the dominant language of the Internet because most people can communicate in the language, however imperfectly.

So what do you do if you want to blog in English because it will reach more readers, but you’re not very fluent in it?

1. Get someone well-versed in English to read your drafts.

Rather than be at a loss for words each time and slow down your writing, why not just write as the ideas come to you in your own language? Then ask a friend who’s better in English to help you fill in those words and expressions that you couldn’t figure out.

There are also online language learning networks that allow you to partner up with native speakers and correspond with them. You could find someone willing to discuss your drafts with you. Sign up for free at these sites:

You can also hire proofreading/editing services if you can afford it.

language book

5 Tips for Blogging in English by Junnette

2. Install a translator plugin or a widget.

What if you really don’t have time to work with someone to revise your draft? What if you’re much better in expressing yourself in your own language? In this case, a simple solution could be to install a plugin or a widget on your blog.

For WordPress, you can try any of the following:

(Note: I haven’t tested any of these plugins yet, I will do that some other time. But if you’ve tried any of these, please do share your feedback.)

For Blogger and other blog platforms that let you use javascript widgets (won’t work in free WordPress.com), you can simply add translator widgets. Among these are:

Drupal, Joomla!, and other CMS also have their own translation tools, but that is a topic worthy of another article.

3. Hire a translator.

Automatic translation plugins and widgets are sophisticated enough to impress you with their sensible translations. They can save you a lot of time, money, and effort, not to mention that they make your content available to a much larger audience.

However, from readers’ perspective, it’s not always smooth reading. Some translation results can be outright funny or puzzling (try it).

Machine translation is still an imperfect science. This can be especially problematic when it comes to technology terms or idioms that have no equivalent in the language it’s being translated to.

If you’d like your readers to enjoy your blog and have a seamless user experience, then hire a good translator. If you’re running a technology blog, for example, let a human write your content. You’d be glad you did.

4. Outsource your content.

If you’d like to grow your blog, and don’t mind letting others write your blog content for you, you might want to consider outsourcing to English writers. This will also take off your shoulders the burden of producing your blog content all by yourself. Just be sure to give very clear instructions to your outsourced hires, things like topics, writing style, post length, etc.

To find quality writers, you can post an ad on international freelance job networks like Elance.com and Odesk.com. Take note that competent English writers are located in many parts of the globe — not just in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and other predominantly English-speaking countries. They tend to be more affordable, too.

You can also advertise on your own blog and get an existing reader or subscriber to write for you — at least this way, you’re tapping into a source that’s already familiar with your blog’s topics and style. Also consider inviting guest bloggers (don’t rely only on this, though, because it will not guarantee a steady stream of fresh content).

5. Improve your English.

Nothing beats being fluent in any language that you’d like to communicate in. There’s no shortcut to learning a language (wish you could just plug in and download language modules to your brain).

Immerse yourself as much as possible in English and the culture(s) that it represents:

Read a lot. Or at least read some. Read words so you can write them.
Listen a lot. Get yourself a tutorial CD. Tune in to English language radio programs. Download English podcasts.
Watch a lot. Watch original English movies with subtitles. Find learning videos.
Learn a lot. Enroll in a language class or find lessons online. I already gave examples of language exchange networks, where you can find native speakers to chat with and send emails to. With the Internet, getting something to help you become better in English is only a click away.
Practice a lot. The only way to write well, in whatever language, is to keep writing.

Thanks to the commenters in my previous post for giving me an idea for this article.

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Tagged as: blogging in english, translation

{ 53 comments }

Dot Com Dud January 22, 2009 at 8:21 pm

Noooo, I was going to write a post exactly like this but you beat me to it! Anyway these are great tips and I’m sure a lot of bloggers will find this really helpful. There is no reason why language should be a barrier to blogging success with the resources available these days.

Dot Com Dud´s lastest post..December Goals (Results)

Junnette January 22, 2009 at 8:47 pm: Hi Dot Com Dud! Shouldn’t be a problem if you write about this topic, too. I’m sure you can share stuff we don’t know about yet. :) Thanks for stopping by!

Alok January 22, 2009 at 9:09 pm

2 days before i was searching some online English learning sits and i found some, but this collection is great.

Thanks.

Alok´s lastest post..Free Download Microsoft’s Genuine Windows 7 Beta Latest Operating System

Junnette January 23, 2009 at 12:13 am: Glad you found the post helpful. Thanks for your comment! :)

Coach Roth January 22, 2009 at 9:51 pm

Nice, I’d just like to comment on the “automatic” translation – don’t do that, it’s not good enough – only good for a laugh! Even hiring a human translator I’m suspicious about: If you can afford them they’re likely doing just standard translation, not really caring about if your actual idea/message is getting across… So in the long run, the five “sub-tips” of tip #5 are the ones to strive for…

Junnette January 23, 2009 at 12:06 am: Auto translators help give a general idea of what the post is about, handy when you need to understand something quick — but yeah, the translations can get really wacky.

Good point regarding the dilemma of hiring a human translator — you won’t be able to tell if they’re doing it right because you can’t understand the language in the first place. (Reminds me of scenes in movies, where there’s a foreigner, a translator, and a native in a conversation…The native spews out an entire paragraph…then the translator says only a few words. The foreigner says in puzzlement, “That’s it?” Or that one where we know the native is really saying something unpleasant, but the translator says what the foreigner wants to hear.)

A lot can be lost in translation. To truly enjoy the beauty of another language — the music of it, the nuances in meaning, the word play, the unique flavor of the native culture that only that language can express — it’s best to learn it.

Rowell Dionicio January 23, 2009 at 1:32 am

Global Translator for Wordpress is a reliable plugin. I use it on my blog to have it translated to a number of readers outside the US.

Rowell Dionicio´s lastest post..Blogger Interview With Jamie Harrop

Junnette January 23, 2009 at 2:47 am

Hi Rowell. Thanks for your feedback on Global Translator.

I bet it’s reliable as a plugin. Whether it’s accurate in its translations, however, is another matter. I tested it but the translation (to Filipino) isn’t really good. I wonder if it’s accurate in other languages?

Rowell Dionicio January 23, 2009 at 2:55 am

Yeah exactly. That’s the only thing I cannot confirm since I do not understand the other languages. Hopefully someone can confirm it for me.

Rowell Dionicio´s lastest post..Blogger Interview With Jamie Harrop

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 3:05 am: Haha I think we need a multilingual blogger around here to let us know the difference. Someone like that should test these plugins…or a group of them. Most of us really can’t tell.

Zekimann January 23, 2009 at 1:33 am

Thanks for this post.

As a non-native English speaker, I’ve used to feel uncomfortable and not confident enough to write articles or a blog post or even a simple 2-line ads…and it took me quite a while before I’ve something published.

I used to wonder if native English speakers would be able to understand the message I’m trying to put across. If they don’t, then all the hard work I’ve put into the writing will be totally pointless.

My command of the language is still not that great yet and as you can see I’m only using simple English.

I guess the only way to improve is by going head on and just write…and never stop reading and learning English.

Thanks again for this post. I know many non-native English speakers will appreciate the information you share here…just like I do.

Zekimann
—

Tom Brincefield January 23, 2009 at 2:39 am: I would say that using the simple english you are fluent in is the best thing you can do. Many of the how-to blogs I have been reading have mentioned making sure your message is understandable to your audience. Your use of plain words will make that easier. And I would bet your grammar is better than mine.

Tom Brincefield´s lastest post..Still More Software
Junnette January 23, 2009 at 2:40 am: You’re welcome Zekimann! It might be reassuring to know that even native English speakers don’t always understand each other, even those that live in the same country. Not all are bothered if they’re being grammatically incorrect.

And not all can write well in their own language. The way I speak my own language will give any local grammar nazi a month-long headache.

I think you’re doing a good job writing in simple English. It’s usually better to write simply and be understood, than write using big words and leave your readers confused.

Taris Janitens January 23, 2009 at 4:13 am

Good writeup for those that need help in this department! :)

Taris Janitens´s lastest post..How to Sell on Ebay: Pricing and Item

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 2:50 am: Thank you Taris! :)

The Moneyac January 23, 2009 at 5:24 am

Even if my native language is not English, I guess I use it 80% of my time each day. Music, Movies, Online Friends, Blogging, Internet Marketing – everything in English !

My only “helper” is Google, when I write something, and if I am not sure the word is written correctly, I just type it in Google, and mostly Google just shows me the right spelling, if I had it wrong.

Cheers,

The Moneyac

The Moneyac´s lastest post..16 Interesting Internet Facts You Should Know About

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 2:40 am: The Moneyac, Google is indeed a great reference tool! I use Google not just as a spell-checker, but also as a dictionary, thesaurus, and even as a calculator. When I’m not sure of how I’m using an expression (especially idioms), I consult Google. Priceless! :)

Sayz January 23, 2009 at 2:50 pm

I would like to give some input,
if you are one of the blogger who feels that your beginning sentences is boring (because we use it over and over again),

here is the quick tips for you…
1. Get a notepad/textedit
2. Read other blogger posts.
3. Note down how they start a sentence, usually 3 words.
Eg.
Whether
You
So
I
In
It’s
Not only
One of the
One way
One rule
Verb-ing
Noun
The best thing
Something
However
The same goes
Never
Include
I’m not
I’m not verb-ing
The biggest
In fact
In order
Be sure
Maybe
When I was

Then you can use these list to give you idea how to start a sentence, I find it works very well… (Because I use this method).

Sayz´s lastest post..How to Define Blog Categories

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 2:49 am: Thanks Sayz for sharing your tips! Interesting input about those 3-word opening sentences. :)

Anthony January 23, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Hi!

I just wanted to thank you for talking about ZdMultilang, my plugin.

If you want more insight about it, just tell me by email. But as a description I would say it allows you translate pretty much everything on your wordpress blog by hand, giving you total control over the translation.

I’m blogging in two languages and I must say : do not ever trust an automatic translation engine…

Anthony´s lastest post..ZdMultilang Updated

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 2:56 am: You’re welcome, Anthony, and thanks for making yourself available for any questions regarding ZdMultilang…I suppose that includes questions from ThouShallBlog readers?

Michael Aulia January 23, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Yan, you beat me to this post :D Although I’m going to give a different insight. Nice one anyway.

English is not my native language but thankfully my readers appreciate it and I’ve tried my best to use the tools to help me out

Michael Aulia´s lastest post..Free Microsoft Certification and a laptop bag, sort of..

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 3:00 am: Hi Michael! It’s Junnette, actually. :) We’d love to know your insights on this topic.

Donny Gamble January 23, 2009 at 9:21 pm

If you want to have your blog read in many different languages, they have plugins that will allow your readers to choose which language that they would like to read your blog

Money Money Money January 23, 2009 at 9:48 pm

Best thing to do would be to learn english, LOL. Nice tips btw, is this applicable for blogging in French too?

Money Money Money´s lastest post..Top 3 Ways To Make Money Online

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 2:32 am: Thank you! Now that you’ve mentioned it, I guess these tips can be applied to any other language as well. Most of the translation plugins support 10 or so languages. And those language exchange networks of course have members all over the globe, including French speakers. :)

Dennis Edell January 24, 2009 at 1:02 am

FINALLY someone put it into writing with excellent resources, great job!

Junnette January 24, 2009 at 3:03 am: That is very generous praise, but I appreciate it a lot. Thanks for following TSB!

passive income ideas January 24, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Junnette,

Good tips. Someone said here he only knows simple English. In fact some of the best speakers use simple English. It’s how you are able to convey your message across using simple English that is more important. I don’t think highly of getting someone translating for you since it isn’t practical to be doing for all your posts. People want the hear from you even with whatever imperfections your English may have. I’ve seen some bloggers with not so perfect writing have very successful blogs and huge subscribers number. While writing good English is important, good quality content means a lot more than the writing itself.

Peter Lee

passive income ideas´s lastest post..The Easiest Natural Link Building To Search Engine Success

Junnette January 26, 2009 at 11:55 pm: That’s a very good observation. :) I read earlier somewhere (I can’t remember where) that a well-written rubbish is still rubbish. But a real gem, even if unpolished, is a gem that people will value. Thanks for sharing!

JR @ Internet Marketing Strategies January 24, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Excellent guide as always Yan, I like all the resources you listed.

Corey Freeman January 24, 2009 at 8:42 pm

Translator’s don’t always work well, because of the way some people may form their sentences, or because of the way certain verbs might behave in other languages, so I really wouldn’t recommend auto-translation. As far as the “read a lot” comment, I would say that it’s a must to read. A lot. The more you read, the more you’ll understand subtle effects and rhetorical strategies.

Vibe.to January 25, 2009 at 1:57 am

Hello,
This was a very informative blog. Thanks a ton. You have collated the information in an organized manner which makes it even more read-worthy. I look forward to reading more such blogs as the one posted here.

Gerald Weber January 25, 2009 at 5:17 am

Just a side note. Even if English is your first language it can still go a long way having a professional editor or copywriters assistance at times.

Gerald Weber´s lastest post..When the Ban Hammer Comes Down on StumbleUpon

newbiesblogger January 25, 2009 at 12:15 pm

hmm, nice tips, for me to work with someone is hard because all people around me is busy and they even don’t have their own blog, so tips num 1 is not suitable for me… tips num 2 is good, maybe i can use it sometimes. tips num 3 is better…. tips num 4- i don’t have any money to spend and tips num 5 – I’M STILL WORKING ON IT.. huhu

Virtual Hires January 25, 2009 at 2:00 pm

It would be best if you outsource content writers because you get high quality writing services at very low rates. Plus, if you have a website and want to make money, good content writers and link builders can put you at the top of search engine rankings.

convert January 26, 2009 at 4:38 pm

I was told on several occasions that I shouldn’t worry about my accent, spoken but also written, apparently it’s captivating. Even though I cannot judge this fact because I come from non English speaking background too, as many of us, I often think about this subject. I like this article, especially the last paragraphs, you can be sure I practice most of it. At times I notice native English speakers imitate my expressions, I guess they must like it :) , on the other hand. I have received negative feedback regarding the language side of things only once, it did not feel nice at all actually… a good vocabulary isn’t all

convert´s lastest post..Dry volume units converter

Yan January 27, 2009 at 12:26 am: Hey Rado

I know it’s belated but here’s “Happy New Year to you”…. I’m not too sure if you received my greetings but I figure another wish is the least I could do now.

Back to your comment. You ended it very nicely with “a good vocabulary isn’t all”. Being a non-native English speaker myself, I’m with with you, R.

Perhaps William Strunk Jr. summed it up best,

“A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”

Too good of a vocabulary can be quite damaging at times. Yes? No?

Yan

abwrackprämie January 27, 2009 at 1:43 am

i am german – thanks for the advice, helps a lot!

Pia de Ungria January 27, 2009 at 4:43 am

Totally with you Junnette! Being able to articulate one’s thoughts is indeed difficult. Thanks for the tips!

Chaunna Brooke January 27, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Helpful tips! English as the universal language should be mastered to spread what you want to share to the world. Using these tips, everything is not impossible.

Thanks for this post.

Live Bingo January 27, 2009 at 2:31 pm

This will increase traffic towards the post. :) I do follow the tips.

search engine marketing dubai January 27, 2009 at 4:25 pm

I am Arabic and i am very found to learn English. This post helped me a lot to find ways of how to learn English. Thanks.

search engine marketing dubai´s lastest post..Web Design and Development Company in Dubai Internet Marketing SEO Services
Dubai UAE

ZK@Internet Marketing blog January 28, 2009 at 11:20 am

Good resources here for a blogger who wants to learn English…such unique posts make your blog popular and you a successful blogger …Lots to learn from you Yan

ZK@Internet Marketing blog´s lastest post..Professional Web Template Designs from Template Kingdom

Mike J February 1, 2009 at 3:36 am

Great article and resource. Something that I do is my wife edits for me this does two things. One I get my posts or articles edited two she has a better understanding about what I do in front of the computer all the time.

Mike J´s lastest post..Finding A Hot Niche For Your Blog

EmmaB February 7, 2009 at 1:41 am

English isn’t my first language but I have been speaking it since I was 4. Even with this advantage, I still have trouble :D

Jo February 7, 2009 at 10:38 am

Great advice and resources for non English speaking bloggers. The best advice is read, read, read and you will soon have a good grasp of the language.

Jo´s lastest post..Advantages and Disadvantages of Freelancing

Hesham February 8, 2009 at 6:50 am

Thank you for the great useful tips, but I I don’t agree with you on Installing a translator plugin or a widget on your blog, because they are not accurate and sometimes it cause mistakes that you don’t know could ignore them if you trust the auto translator.

Hesham´s lastest post..Thinker Of The Week Contest

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Eric Roth April 28, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Thank you for writing and posting this excellent primer on blogging in English for writers working in their second, third, or fourth best language.

You provided five sensible suggestions, supported each idea with numerous practical links, and managed to spark a lively discussion. Consider me impressed!

And thank you for those translation sites. As a native English speaker whose site often attracts visitors from around the world, I should also consider adding translation software on my site. (The issue is a tad complicated since my website is for English teachers looking to add conversation materials to their ESL/EFL classrooms.)

Again, thank you for the wonderful post.

Junnette April 30, 2009 at 2:18 am: Thank you for your very positive comments. Coming from someone who teaches English and has published a bestselling book on learning the language, that’s a real compliment!

I’ve browsed through your site and there’s so much there that could help anyone learning English, whether a native or non-native speaker. Again, thanks for reading this blog!

Goldoase June 17, 2009 at 9:56 pm