American spelling? Canadian spelling? British spelling? Oh my!

Style Guide reader Lee Strauss asked: My audience are Australian and American. Should I use American spelling or British spelling?

Great question! Here's what I replied:

Thanks for your question, Lee. It's a tricky point, especially when your clients are in different countries.

In the Style Guide I say that it makes sense for Canadians (and other non-Americans) to use American spelling since so many of our clients are American.

However, since then I've taken on the role of Editor for VOICE, the newsletter of the International Association of Coaching, and I love their approach of publishing each article with the spelling conventions of the author's home country.

So now I mostly stick with Canadian spelling, as a proud Canadian.

For me this also relates to the willingness to stand out and be who you are, even if someone else may think that is "wrong" (like the VOICE reader who wrote to point out my spelling error of the word honour).

Note that you'll see plenty of examples of both American and Canadian spelling on my blog and website - this is definitely an instance where I have not always been consistent. And an example of how a blog is a public record of our evolution as writers and entrepreneurs.

Comments

[Linda Dessau]

Hi Joan,

Thanks for your comment - it is so nice to see your name on the blog again!

Spelling is one thing - expressions are another ;) In some cases it might be worth a brief explanation when the terminology is that different. Then no one will feel left out.

Be well,
Linda

[Linda Dessau]

Hi Dallys,

Thanks for your comments. I love your take on it and I agree that expressing our cultural differences adds diversity and richness to our world.

All the best,
Linda

[Joan Bell]

Hi Linda, great to know I am on the right track. I live in Australia and have had clients in Europe and the USA. It can be hilarious. Did you know that in Australia we say lollies whereas Americans say candy and English say sweets? I think your advice is spot on or we would all go nuts!

Joan Bell,

[Dallys Baker]

Thanks for this thoughtful answer to what can be a vexing question. As an Australian, with Aussie, Canadian and American readers, I can really relate to this, and I feel comfortable to stay with my "native" spelling. I don't think there are many instances where the meaning is made less clear by a different spelling and it lets us express and celebrate the cultural differences that add richness to our world.