Some of the writing I do for Big Client #1 goes to American readers as well as Canadian. All along, the articles have gone on separate pages, so we stuck to American spelling with things written specifically for the U.S. page and Canadian spelling for the Canucks. Now the pages are going to be combined, so we’re discussing how to deal with the pesky extra “u” and the other ways in which the spelling differs.
Our plan is to follow the principles of inclusive language and look for the alternate word that does not shout out to one reader or the other, “I’m spelled wrong!” For instance, inclusive language related to gender suggests “firefighter” instead of “fireman,” and “humans” instead of “mankind.”
It remains to be seen how successful this will be, because this has the potential to be more wordy (“people next door” vs. “neighbo(u)rs“). Also, the choices aren’t as obvious. I mean, what are you going to say instead of “colour“? “Hue” might do in a pinch, I suppose.
Anyway, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for examples. If you think of anything, let me know! I’m starting a list.
3 Comments
Yikes. Good luck with this. What about HONOUR and PRACTISE et al? Let us know how it works out.
I know I’m late in adding my comment but here it is anyway. The cynic in me (and editor of said publication) says that probably nobody will notice anyway. We word nerds get our panties in a twist about spelling and very few others do.
Well, perhaps not “nobody,” but you are right, few people will notice. I just know there will be one instance where something slips in, despite your eagle eyes and mine!