Words with Multiple Meanings in Elearning
Do you wear a bonnet or are you checking the oil under your bonnet? Do you get a drink from a bubbler or a drinking fountain? Do you noodle in a boat or while giving your friend a hard time?
The English language has many words with multiple meanings. For example, where I live in Wisconsin, we refer to a water fountain as a bubbler, but in other parts of the country it is called a water fountain or a drinking fountain. Each delivers cold potable water, but are referred to by different names.
When writing courses for elearning it is imperative to not use regional or local terms. After all, you may have users from all over the country and possibly around the world. Avoid the inclusion of words specific to your region. Write using broad terms that are familiar to all readers in order to avoid confusion. Include the most comprehensive and general language to include all of your readers.
Off to get a cold soda…or a cola…or is it a pop?
Related posts:
- Confusing Words
- The Art of Multiple Choice Quiz Writing: Terminology
- Plain Speak Radio Communication
Tags: Martha Bonnie, Writing
