EP Writing for Interactive Media Forum

International Spanish

In Madrid last week, I presented my seminar on writing for the web (translated as escribir para la web) to APP, the Spanish professional publishers association. I usually talk about writing in an "International English" on U.S. web sites since international surfers will probably not have English as their first language: Jargon, inside jokes and references to the Letterman show don't play well in Bucharest and Kuala Lumpur.

It turns out that the same applies to Spanish. Variations in usage and local cultures between Spain and the countries in South and Central America mean that Spanish-language sites need to strive for an "International Spanish" that is clear to everyone.