Non-Native Writers Have These Unique Advantages
Having a mixed background enriches your writing and helps you create memorable stories
Non-native writers must have the heart of a lion. It takes a huge amount of courage and confidence to publish pieces in a foreign language like English and attract an international audience.
Despite having a high level of language proficiency, non-native speakers often feel they are behind. Is my writing clear enough? Does my writing sound outlandish to readers’ ears? are questions that pop into their heads frequently.
That’s why it’s so essential for them to develop their English skills continually. The subtleties of grammar must be mastered. Expanding vocabulary and proactively learning colloquialisms are also crucial. Research shows that one must repeat a new vocabulary word in 17 timed intervals until it’s burned into long-term memory.
Despite the enormous challenges, you should never look at your mixed background solely from the perspective of keeping up. You also have unique advantages when creating content. Your “exotic” background can be the key to establishing a distinctive voice and brand.
Let me show you what I mean.
1. You have access to a broader pool of compelling words
Imagine that every language you know equals one chest of gold. As a non-native writer, you are sitting on at least two chests. You have access to many meaningful metaphors, idiomatic expressions, and sayings —shaped by centuries of history of different cultures.
While you write English pieces, you think in several languages. So your brain automatically juggles expressions from different languages. The art is to create such sentences out of this variety that sparks your readers’ imaginations.
What you can do
Write down every neologism, metaphor, and wise saying you can think of on a topic — in any language. Then try to apply the best ideas in your English writing.
For this section, for example, I had considered what synonyms exist in German (my native language) for the term vocabulary. There is a very well-known synonym in German— Wortschatz. The literal translation of “Wortschatz” into English is “treasure of words”. Sounds cute, doesn’t it? But also a bit confusing for readers who aren’t from Germany.
The use of the term “treasure of words” in an English piece didn’t seem appropriate. So instead, I’ve come up with a metaphor by comparing vocabulary to a chest full of gold. That way, I wanted to emphasize the value of language skills.
2. You have plenty of multilingual literature and role models at your disposal
Each country has its famous scientists, do-gooders, entrepreneurs, and creative minds. These individuals have inspired their fellow countrymen and helped them lead better lives.
As a non-native writer, you feel emotionally connected to multiple nations and cultures. You frequently consume multilingual literature, television, videos, podcasts, and other types of content. How many role models do you believe you know across countries? Quite a bunch, I’d say. And you have the chance to incorporate their work into your own.
What you can do
The books, magazines, and films you have consumed until now in your native language will give you valuable ideas for your work. Also, there are many other media. For example, if you are writing about self-improvement, you can get inspiration from the podcast of your favorite motivational coach.
Other than that, expand your online research by using search terms in different languages, not just English. You may not reference the sources in other languages in your posts, but simply reviewing multilingual material will give you valuable ideas and insights.
3. Your personal stories are one of a kind
I know. Monolingual writers also have unique experiences in their lives, and they can package them into compelling anecdotes. However, your multicultural background enables you to write stories from a less familiar perspective.
Different living conditions and current events in your country certainly provide great topics to write about. By adding your personal experiences, you can tell stories that can make your readers’ jaws drop.
What you can do
Think about what makes your life exceptional in cultural terms. For example, if you’re a woman having a successful career in a patriarchal country. Then, you can talk about your struggle for emancipation. You have a unique growth mindset that’s worth putting on paper.
Possible headlines on this would be:
How to advance your career when your environment works against you
How to find recognition as a woman in a male-dominated environment
These may not be perfectly worded headlines, but I’m sure you’re getting my point.
Or you may live in a country that is particularly progressive regarding environmental protection and sustainability. Here you can tell about well-working regulations and your consumer behavior.
4. You can reach a wider audience with multilingual content
Most successful global companies offer their content in multiple languages. Why? They find it more effective to communicate in the language of their target markets than to provide content in English for everyone.
According to a study by CSA Research, 67% of Internet users prefer content in their native language, and 40% of those surveyed wouldn’t even make a purchase in a foreign language.
When it comes to a localized content strategy, companies don’t simply translate content from the original language into another language. They also identify the linguistic nuances between languages. Plus, they take into account the cultural characteristics and consumer behavior of their target market. Finally, they adjust the content while making sure the key message and style remain the same.
What does this mean for you as a non-native writer?
You are bilingual/multilingual, so you know different cultures. By creating content in multiple languages, you can expand your audience and, thus, your writing business.
What you can do
You’ve already established a brand if you’re currently having a successful writing career in an English-speaking area. You can try to make your brand known in another territory as well (e.g., in your home country).
You should start with market research first. Figure out the characteristics of your new target audience. Then identify the appropriate platforms and channels for the creation and distribution of your content.
Last words
Believing in your abilities is the foundation for establishing a successful writing career. Other important key factors are hard work and having the patience of a Dalai Lama.
Besides the countless lessons you learn along the way, you should be aware of your many advantages. Make use of these gifts and develop a distinctive style.
There’s nothing wrong with sounding weird now and then, by the way. Dosed weirdness is like having moles on your face. They make you more attractive.
