Writing in English when it is not your mother tongue

Writing is a challenge. It is not easy to shape the ideas, thoughts and feelings that are reproduced in the mind because the mind works so fast, and the fact that the mind works on several layers of itself, that when you capture one idea in words, the other have escaped, leaving your mind blank or way ahead of what you wanted to say.

Imagine how challenging that must be when you are writing in a language that is not your native language! Writing in English when it is not your native language poses a considerable challenge. More than grammar or usage or even language, it is the way one experiences life that is striking when writing in English.

For example, a question that a South Asian asks in his native language is difficult to ask in English. It is the question that demands the answer. He is the fifth child in the family.

Try to form a question for that answer!

Sometimes the problem can be in the vocabulary; What is the name of your wife’s sister’s husband’s sister? Much of the language we use reflects the culture, tradition and lifestyle we follow. Writing in English can sometimes sound ‘un-English’ when a person from a non-English background tries to convey the cultural or social nuances of their environment.

Now, how to overcome these problems? It is better to start with a little reading. Reading books written by native English users, looking up a dictionary or thesaurus for the correct word, checking the record, whether the word is used in a formal or informal context, whether the word is used to pass or fail, all of these go through a long way to make your writing appropriate and effective.

You should also remember that you write to express yourself, not to impress people. The problem arises when you try to impress people with your English. You may find speaking or writing good English impressive, but you should remember that English is only a language for a native speaker, and does not carry the prestigious baggage it can carry for you as a non-native user.

Follow the rules of grammar, use words correctly, use idiomatic language, use contemporary language and keep your thoughts and ideas clear to write happily in English. And be yourself, whether in style or content.

Being original in thought and language certainly helps. Make the words mean what you mean, and don’t say what the word means just because you want to use the word or words.