Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Writing International Letters
Writing International Letters
Letters
Communication errors made
orally float away on the air;
those made in writing are
permanently recorded.
International letters should
conform to the organizational,
format and cultural conventions
of the receiver’s country.
Start by using nonsexist, nonracist and
nonagist language
Use:
Manpower
Manhours
Manning
Use:
Personnel
Hours or working hours
Staffing
Instead of:
Use:
Foreman Supervisor
Salesman Salesperson
Sales Representative
Waitress Server
Workman Worker Employee
(or use a specific
title like:
bricklayer
Making language nonracist and
nonagist
Language is nonracist and nonagist when it
treats all races and ages fairly, avoiding
negative stereotypes of any group.
Give someone’s race or age only if it is relevant
to your story
Example:
Example:
Exaggerated courtesy:
“ great pleasure, esteemed favor
Obvious flattery
“ Your eminent firm.”
Always learn about local preferences before
sending letters abroad.
Example: Germany
Example: America
June 3, 2000
“ 6/3/00
Some European countries
June 3, 2000
3.6.00
Tips: