A Question to Non-Native English Speakers

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As I have noticed, this forum has a lot of participants from all over the world. I would like to ask those who are from European non-English speaking countries, India, Malaysia, or whatever other countries where English is not the native language and whose target in their IM campaigns are mostly Americans, what is your experience with it? Are Americans really so xenophobic that only your mere foreign presence, slightly different wording or mindset would turn your offer down?
What do you think are the differences between various social groups (education, income, religion)?
#copywriting #nonenglish #question #speakers
  • Two of the most important things a copywriter must do are ...
    • Enter the conversation going on in the prospects mind
    • Communicate with the prospect in a way that resonates with him
    A person who is not ingrained in the American culture finds this very difficult to do.

    Americans are no more and no less xenophobic than people from other countries. People are people wherever they live.

    Alex
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • On the other hand, let's take food as an example. Nutrition practices are probably the most personal things any culture has. Everyone values those food traditions they got from their childhood home.
    Yet, as we all know, N-Korea is probalby the only country in the whole world where there are no McDonaldses in every major city. American food practices must have been accepted, or else business would be impossible. Now, if it's a one-way street only, what should one think about it?
    • [2] replies
    • Here's your answer... Wanna Make More Money Online? You Gotta Be American! It's far more fleshed out there than I could in a forum post.
    • Your sample isn't really relevant. McDonald's has either been restricted from entering the market by the N. Korea government, or they have chosen not to enter the market for political or other business reasons. The reasons behind McDonald's not having a presence in N. Korea have nothing to do with the eating practices of North Koreans or the desire of North Koreans to eat American food.

      If you're going to write anything for a predominantly American market, you have to have excellent American English skills. In my experience, this is where most non-native English speakers fall short - as evidenced by the inaccuracy of your subject title. The syntax doesn't flow, there are errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar - and why would anyone pay for a job when they have to perform major revisions?

      Second, as noted already, you have to be familiar with how and why Americans buy. In my experience, this is the second major shortcoming of offshore writers.

      It has nothing to do with prejudice or xenophobia. Any bias is a result of disappointing experience when attempting to work with people who lack the skills and understanding to adequately perform the job.
      • [2] replies
  • The basic idea when dealing with this problem is to simply walk around it. I must confess that I've never landed a gig through WF, but I believe my advice still applies.

    Typically when making a pitch to land a new contract I focus on the specifics. If the contract involves e-mail copywriting I highlight how different it is from its traditional counterpart, if on the contrary the gig is for a sales letter, I highlight the need to differentiate from the competition with an USP and so on. I try to come across as knowledgeable and specialized. Personal branding and testimonials from past customers also help.

    I don't bring the native language issue at any point during my pitch. If it does show up, I direct them to the results of my English score test (meant for natives), where I've scored higher than average.

    Hope this helps.

    Best regards,
    George
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Joe and George, thank you for sharing your experiences.
      • [ 2 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Hi - Fibonacci (I assume you are an Italian – as the original was- or maybe you just like to Forex Trade lol) there is a fairly simple solution to this matter – those who do not have English as a first language please ensure you use Word and have the spell check on, and try and follow the grammar rules – that way if the dictionary is set to American – you will beat the non-natural American English speaker difficulty – your grammar will be Americanized, your syntax will be Americanized “God Dammit” you will be Americanized hahaha – there are valid comments about these things but really if a copy writer does a poor job – be they American English speakers or not – don’t use them again?.
  • I don't think it is where you are from that matters. It is the quality of your English if you are selling to a natural born person in the USA.

    In the past, I outsourced articles and the country of orgin did not matter. I bought some articles that were very bad and I had to totally rewrite them. I also bought some that were written in better English than I can write. Who received repeat business?

    I feel that it is the quality of the product that is most important.

    M E
  • Hey Fibonocci, do you happen to be involved in the financial markets by chance? Just curious because of the nickname you have here.
  • In my opinion people who are not native English speakers can be made very happy by using professional terms and words and a good English language.
  • I think in any kind of professional relationship, language can never be a barrier. As long as you know your job, you understand your clients requirement, language might not be an issue. Yes, accent might be a problem...but that happens with everyone
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    A Question to Non-Native English Speakers

    As I have noticed, this forum has a lot of participants from all over the world. I would like to ask those who are from European non-English speaking countries, India, Malaysia, or whatever other countries where English is not the native language and whose target in their IM campaigns are mostly Americans, what is your experience with it? Are Americans really so xenophobic that only your mere foreign presence, slightly different wording or mindset would turn your offer down? What do you think are the differences between various social groups (education, income, religion)?