English Blog Writing: Powerful Ways for Non-Native Speakers’ Improvement
For my dedicated readers who have made the inspiring choice to start blog writing as a means to enhance their English proficiency, this post is tailored to you.
Continuing our previous discussion on improving English by blogging, we’re exploring further the world of English blog writing—a powerful avenue for non-native speakers to hone their language skills.
Blogging, as a medium, offers a versatile canvas where you can express yourself, learn, and grow.
Whether you’re passionate about finding a niche that ignites your curiosity or curating a magazine-style blog that explores a multitude of topics, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.
It can be for sheer fun and self-expression, but it’s also a pathway that could potentially lead to a thriving business endeavor.
In a separate forthcoming post, I’ll guide you through the intricacies of transforming your blogging pursuit into a business venture.
We’ll explore topics such as the art of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), achieving high-ranking status, harnessing the power of email marketing, and crafting effective business strategies.
But, for now, let’s look at the significance of English blog writing for non-native speakers and the rich opportunity that awaits you.
I hope this blog post will be helpful to you, and my ways to improve your skills through blog writing will inspire you to take the first step in blogging.
I know how hard writing can be for non-native English speakers, and I wish I had these tips when I started.
Continue reading to discover what I have to offer.
The Power of English Blog Writing
Why do people engage in blogging?
- For enjoyment
- For promotional purposes
- For earning income
- To enhance their English writing abilities
As we can see English blog writing is a mighty way to get better at the language.
It’s like a super tool for improving how we speak and write.
When we blog, we get to practice English all the time.
Plus, we can learn from the feedback we get from our readers.
It’s not just practice; it’s real-world practice.
So, if you’re a non-native English speaker, writing blogs can be your secret weapon to becoming a better English communicator.
Also, blogging serves as a powerful motivation to enhance your English.
Why is having proficient English skills crucial for non-native bloggers?
Proficient English is essential:
- To establish a reputable and authoritative blog
- For effectively aiding your readers in problem-solving
- In boosting your productivity, as higher proficiency facilitates the creation of high-quality articles more effortlessly
Conversely, Poor English:
- Reflects negatively on your blog’s credibility
- Adversely affects users’ perceptions of content quality
- Distracts and frustrates readers when grammar is subpar
As a blogger, whether native or non-native in English, your wealth of ideas and knowledge may be invaluable, but incorrect grammar and spelling can hinder your readers’ comprehension and deter them from reading further
While some argue that writing is more about helping others than achieving perfection, it remains preferable to enhance your English skills to deliver a clear, well-written message to your readers.
As a non-native English author, I understand the critical importance of writing quality.
Consequently, I consistently engage an editor to ensure each article is grammatically precise and refined.
Practical Tips for Non-Native Bloggers
Choose Familiar Topics for Blog Writing
Begin with topics you are passionate about or have knowledge of.
Writing about familiar subjects makes the process more enjoyable and eases language challenges.
For example, if you’re a food enthusiast, start a blog about your culinary adventures.
Research and Plan
Before writing, conduct thorough research on your chosen topic.
Gather information, facts, and statistics.
Create an outline or plan for your blog post, including headings and subheadings.
This helps you organize your thoughts and maintain a clear structure.
Prevent Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a topic of great sensitivity in today’s context.
Let’s look into its meaning and why it has evolved into a significant concern, especially for non-native English bloggers.
We must adhere to the rules of proper attribution in our writing.
What is Plagiarism?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, plagiarism is defined as:
- “Copying and presenting (the expression of ideas or words of another) as one’s own, using another’s work without crediting the source.
- Presenting a new and original idea or work derived from an existing source.
- Replicating one’s work, often verbatim, without acknowledging the original source.”
As bloggers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our work does not resemble the work of others, intentionally or unintentionally.
Here are some tools to assist you.
Ways to Avoid Plagiarism Here are some methods:
Summarize
Summarizing, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, involves:
- “Presenting a concise account or reducing to a summary.
- Including the primary points of the original source while presenting them in your own words.”
Paraphrase
Paraphrasing, on the other hand, is your interpretation of vital information and ideas conveyed by someone else but presented in a new manner.
It is a legitimate way to draw from external sources and provides a more comprehensive restatement than a summary, emphasizing a single core concept.
To paraphrase correctly:
- Read the original text carefully to grasp its meaning.
- Set aside the original and craft a brief paragraph conveying the content in your own words.
- Ensure your version encompasses all essential information without mirroring the original.
- When you directly reproduce the source’s wording, use quotation marks.
- Conclude the paraphrase with a parenthetical reference (Last name, Initial, year, p.#) (Purdue, Viewed October 29, 2011).
Quotations
Quoting, according to the Purdue University website, involves replicating a specific segment of the source document verbatim, word for word, while attributing it to the original author.
Reference List
Remember to maintain a reference list for your sources, like this:
Example:
Purdue OWL. (2011). Paraphrase: Write it in your own words. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/619/01/
There is a particular reason I am placing special emphasis on preventing plagiarism.
It’s a significant issue, especially in North America.
When I was a college student in Toronto, we had a dedicated course on how to properly reference and cite our essays and projects.
If you decide to challenge yourself and write an academic post, it’s imperative to adhere to the stringent requirements for formatting your sources.
Here are some sources that can guide on preventing plagiarism and proper source citation:
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): Purdue University offers an extensive resource on academic writing, including guidelines on avoiding plagiarism and proper citation styles.
Website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html
APA Style: The American Psychological Association (APA) provides comprehensive guidelines for citing sources in the social sciences. Their website offers a wealth of information on proper citation.
Website: https://apastyle.apa.org/
MLA Style Center: The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing sources in the humanities. Their website offers detailed information on MLA citations.
Website: https://style.mla.org/
Chicago Manual of Style Online: The Chicago Manual of Style is commonly used in history and some other fields. You can find detailed citation guidance on their website.
Website: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
Harvard Referencing Guide: The University of Western Australia offers a user-friendly guide to Harvard referencing, a common citation style.
Citation Machine: This online tool helps you generate citations in various styles. You can input your source details, and it will create a citation for you.
Website: https://www.citationmachine.net/
Plagiarism.org: This resource provides information on plagiarism, how to prevent it, and the importance of proper citation.
Website: https://www.plagiarism.org/
Turnitin: Turnitin is a widely used plagiarism detection tool, but its website also offers educational resources on plagiarism prevention.
Website: https://www.turnitin.com/
HEADS UP! Remember that different academic disciplines and institutions may have specific guidelines for citation and plagiarism prevention. It’s important to consult the specific style guide or requirements provided by your school or organization.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Actively work on expanding your English vocabulary.
Discover new words and phrases related to your topic and incorporate them into your writing.
Using a thesaurus can be a helpful tool.
Employing a thesaurus can prove to be a valuable tool.
A thesaurus is a reference book or digital tool that provides synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for a given word.
It can assist you in diversifying your vocabulary, enhancing the clarity of your writing, and avoiding redundancy.
When using a thesaurus, you can discover alternative words that may better convey your intended message, making your writing more engaging and precise.
However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and choose synonyms that fit the context and tone of your writing accurately, as the wrong choice can lead to confusion or unintended shifts in meaning.
Resources for using a thesaurus effectively:
Merriam-Webster Thesaurus: Merriam-Webster is a well-known dictionary and thesaurus resource. Their online thesaurus is user-friendly and provides a wide range of synonyms and antonyms.
Thesaurus.com: Thesaurus.com offers an extensive and user-friendly online thesaurus. It also provides related words and translations.
Oxford English Thesaurus: Oxford University Press offers an authoritative thesaurus that can be useful for academic and professional writing.
WordWeb: WordWeb is a comprehensive English thesaurus and dictionary software that you can download and install on your computer.
Microsoft Word: If you’re using Microsoft Word for your writing, it has a built-in thesaurus feature. Just right-click on a word, select “Synonyms,” and you’ll get a list of alternatives.
Online Writing Tools: Many writing and grammar-checking tools, such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid, offer thesaurus features as part of their software.
HEADS UP! While a thesaurus is a valuable tool, it’s essential to use it judiciously. Always consider the context and nuances of the words you choose to ensure they are the best fit for your writing.
Read Actively
Read widely in English to see how native speakers construct sentences and express ideas.
Reading books, articles, and other blogs can expose you to different writing styles and enhance your understanding of the language.
🦋 Proven ways to boost your vocabulary. Reading is key
🦋 How to Enhance and Develop Your Vocabulary Through Reading
As a published writer who isn’t a native English speaker, I’d like to offer this guidance: If you’re eager to expedite your English learning and improvement, prioritize reading.
The more you immerse yourself in written content, the deeper your understanding of the language and its fundamental principles becomes.
Moreover, a multitude of websites provide access to exceptional reading materials, such as Reddit, Quora, and Medium.
Additionally, diverse social media platforms like Meetup enable you to engage with native speakers directly, providing invaluable opportunities to observe and understand how they communicate.
Edit and Proofread your Blog Writing
After writing your blog post, take time to edit and proofread it.
Look for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
However, despite being a published author, I have always harbored a fear of writing.
I found myself pondering: as a non-native English speaker, am I a credible creator compared to natives?
Are my books, content, and blog posts as exceptional as theirs?
Dear readers, have you grappled with similar apprehensions?
I want to emphasize that many highly regarded content creators are, in fact, non-native English bloggers.
Their knowledge and professionalism profoundly impact countless readers across various domains.
Furthermore, platforms like Medium are home to a multitude of writers and contributors for whom English is a second language.
This fact doesn’t deter them from crafting captivating narratives that inspire people worldwide.
It’s evident that non-native English bloggers can produce compelling, engaging, and valuable content, often on par with or surpassing that of native English speakers.
Nevertheless, it necessitates a doubled commitment, perseverance, and continuous improvement.
In essence, the key to transcending the feeling of stagnation and gaining confidence in using English is continuous improvement.
The more you publish, the more you refine your English, and the more your confidence as a non-native English blogger flourishes.
With that said, I am confident in asserting that hard work reaps its rewards.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the present moment:
You’ve composed an enticing new post for your blog.
Excellent!
However, you might still harbor reservations and uncertainties regarding its quality.
The good news is that I have you covered!
Before hitting that publish button, engage in a meticulous proofreading session.
Peruse the text attentively and address any errors.
I recommend using a checklist akin to the following:
Spelling:
- Scrutinize each word and ensure its correct spelling.
Punctuation:
- Eliminate comma errors.
- Place commas before conjunctions like “and,” “but,” or “or” in compound sentences.
- Confirm the accuracy of all final punctuation marks.
Capitalization:
- Confirm that each sentence commences with a capital letter.
- Ensure that the names of people, places, months, and days of the week initiate with a capital letter.
Sentence Length:
- Crafting simple and lucid sentences can be a challenging task.
As a non-native English blogger, I am constantly attentive to my writing’s clarity.
Questions often arise: Are my sentences grammatically sound? Are they transparent enough for my readers to comprehend?
Over the years, I’ve realized that clarity is an essential skill for any blogger’s improvement.
Here’s a piece of advice:
Utilize a technique to make your sentences concise and lucid.
What’s this technique?
- Convey a wealth of information clearly and succinctly; be brief yet comprehensive.
How do you employ it?
- Trim phrases or sentences by eliminating unnecessary words.
Why is this technique significant?
- It facilitates swift communication with your audience, ensuring that your thoughts and ideas are expressed with utmost clarity.
Today, I present you with a challenge:
Select any of your written pieces – a blog post, an email, or a journal entry.
Identify a lengthy sentence and apply the technique discussed above to revise it.
Your objective is to eliminate superfluous words while retaining the core meaning.
From this point forward, endeavor to incorporate this technique into your daily writing routine. Practice and edit your previous blog posts.
Isn’t this a clever approach to infuse your daily writing with enjoyment and excitement?
What are your thoughts?
Grammar:
- Confirm adherence to the correct grammar rules.
- Ensure subject-verb agreement.
- Maintain consistency in verb tenses.
You can use online tools and language apps for assistance.
For example, Grammarly or ProWritingAid can help you spot and correct mistakes.
For non-native English bloggers who create online content, consider using Grammarly, a valuable online writing tool.
First, paste your content into the application.
Second, the grammar checker will provide a concise list of potential grammar and spelling errors.
Finally, you will receive suggestions for rectifying them.
I personally utilized Grammarly’s free plan for an extended period before transitioning to the premium version.
Engage with Readers
Encourage readers to leave comments and engage with them.
Respond to comments, answer questions, and take their feedback to heart.
This not only improves your language skills but also builds a loyal audience.
Set Realistic Goals
Establish realistic goals for your blog.
Determine how often you’ll publish new content and stick to a schedule.
Consistency in writing helps you practice regularly.
Get Feedback
Seek feedback from proficient English speakers, native or otherwise.
They can provide valuable insights and point out areas where you can improve.
Online writing communities and social media groups can be excellent places to connect with fellow bloggers and get constructive feedback.
Language Exchange Partners
Consider connecting with language exchange partners.
You can collaborate with someone learning your native language while they help you with English.
This mutual support can be beneficial for language development.
Celebrate Progress
Celebrate your achievements along the way.
Take pride in the improvements you make in your writing.
Reflect on your earlier posts and compare them with your more recent ones to see how far you’ve come.
Enhance Your Typing Speed
Why is typing speed a crucial factor for non-native English bloggers?
As a non-native English blogger and writer, one of the hurdles I grappled with in the early stages of my writing journey was my sluggish typing pace.
At the outset of my writing career, my productivity suffered due to my slow typing skills, leading to missed deadlines on my calendar.
Subsequently, I found myself falling into a cycle of procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed.
It was undeniably a challenging period!
You might wonder how I tackled this issue.
In a nutshell, I enrolled in a course offered by my college since I was a student at the time.
However, there are now more accessible options at your disposal.
If you currently find yourself typing at a pace that resembles a snail’s, much like I did, it’s advisable to consider enrolling in a course with a reputable provider or exploring free online typing programs to boost your typing speed.
Swift improvements will become evident, and the faster you can type, the more swiftly your next blog post will come to life.
There are numerous online platforms available to assist you in this endeavor.
One such platform is Rapid Typing an all-in-one typing solution.
Notably, Rapid Typing offers interactive typing software that incorporates videos, games, and exercises.
It stores your progress in the cloud and seamlessly syncs it to your computer.
According to their website, you’ll master rapid typing, gain access to popular apps, and learn valuable productivity hacks.
HEADS UP! Becoming a better English writer is a long process, and blogging provides you with the perfect platform for continuous practice and improvement. Take each opportunity to write, learn, and grow, and you’ll find that your language skills advance with every blog post you create.
Overcoming Challenges in English Blog Writing
Blogging in English as a non-native speaker can be an enriching experience, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges.
Let’s acknowledge these hurdles and explore practical solutions and tips to tackle them effectively:
Language Barriers:
🚧 Non-native bloggers may encounter language barriers, including grammar errors, vocabulary limitations, and difficulty expressing complex ideas.
Solution: Focus on gradual improvement. Use language tools and grammar-checking apps to spot and correct mistakes. Over time, your language skills will naturally develop with consistent practice. Additionally, consider reading English books and blogs to enhance your language comprehension and fluency.
Cultural Differences:
🚧 Cultural differences can affect how content is perceived. What’s appropriate or engaging in one culture may not be the same in another.
Solution: Research your target audience’s cultural norms and preferences. Engage with native speakers and gain insights into what resonates with them. Strive for a global appeal by finding universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries.
Self-Doubt:
🚧 Non-native bloggers might struggle with self-doubt, fearing that their content may not be good enough or that they’ll be judged for their language proficiency.
Solution: Believe in your unique perspective. Remember that your cultural background and experiences can offer a fresh and valuable viewpoint. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism, and use it for growth. Building confidence in your writing takes time and practice.
Reader Engagement:
🚧 Non-native bloggers may find it challenging to engage with English-speaking readers and build a dedicated following.
Solution: Encourage reader interaction by asking questions, inviting comments, and responding to feedback. Establish a connection with your audience through relatable stories and authentic content. Engage in online writing communities to network and exchange ideas with fellow bloggers.
5. Content Originality:
🚧 Non-native bloggers may worry about creating content that stands out and offers something unique, given language limitations.
Solution: Embrace your unique perspective and experiences. Tell your story and share your insights. Remember that authenticity is a powerful asset in the blogging world. Research and innovation can also help you find fresh angles to familiar topics.
Perfectionism:
🚧 Striving for perfection can hinder progress, causing non-native bloggers to spend excessive time editing and rewriting.
Solution: While quality is important, understand that blogging allows room for improvement. Focus on getting your message across and connecting with your audience. Set reasonable standards and gradually refine your work over time.
Peer Support:
🚧 Non-native bloggers may feel isolated and lacking in peer support.
Solution: Seek out writing communities, language exchange partners, or online forums where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and tips with peers can provide motivation and guidance.
HEADS UP! You are here to learn! Remember that! Every challenge you encounter is an opportunity for growth. As a non-native blogger, your unique perspective, determination, and willingness to learn can lead to compelling content and a thriving community of readers who appreciate your efforts.
Conclusion: English Blog Writing: Powerful ways for Non-Native Speakers improvement
In the pursuit of English blog writing as non-native speakers, we’ve explored the path to language improvement, practical tips for success, and the means to overcome associated challenges.
As we conclude this discussion, it’s essential to remember that blogging offers a transformative experience for people seeking to enhance their language skills, connect with a global audience, and share their unique perspectives.
While challenges may arise, they are stepping stones to growth.
Language barriers, cultural differences, and self-doubt can be overcome with dedication and unwavering belief in the value of your voice.
As non-native bloggers, your unique experience is not defined by your starting point, but by the determination to progress and learn with each post you create.
I hope this blog post has been helpful to you, and that the powerful ways to improve your skills in English blog writing will inspire you to take the first step in blogging.
As a non-native English speaker, I understand how challenging writing can be, and I wish someone had shared these tips with me when I was starting out.
Now that you have these tips, you can start using them to enhance your English blog writing.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time!
M.K.
