I don't understand clients who only want to hire freelance writers who are "native English speakers." Are you seriously telling me that you'd turn down someone so brilliant and naturally gifted at languages that they've learned to write in a second language better than most people can write in their first? Many of the best writers in my network learned English as a second language. They aren't just "good enough" - in many cases, their English is more correct, more direct, and more polished than those of us who grew up speaking it. Can we just drop this as a requirement, please? By all means, look for writers who are good at writing in English - but please stop assuming that means they must be "native speakers."
It's not a matter of comparing the writing of non-native professional writers of English with the writing of "most" native English speakers. That's apples and oranges. The comparison needs to be between professional writers of English, whether native or non-native. If non-native speakers are just as good or better, then hire them! But I think you're doing everyone in the equation a disservice in the comparison made in the post.
Ok so I’m a native speaker and I wasn’t even good enough for the Brit’s. They’d get SO mad when I accidentally let my Americanisms slip through. “WE DON’T USE DOLLARS.” I think Brits should only hire Brit’s 😂 (I’m married to a Brit so I’m allowed to play here 😎)
Thank you for voicing this! I completely agree with you. As someone who has worked with incredibly talented writers who learned English as a second language, I've seen firsthand how their unique perspectives and meticulous approach often surpass those of native speakers. It's essential to value skill and proficiency over native language. Clients must focus on the quality of writing and the ability to communicate effectively rather than limiting opportunities based on this outdated criterion.
My first language is English but I’d be treated as non-native writer because of where I come from.
Joseph Conrad comes to mind.
Ok. I am gonna go cry a bit. My heart is full. Thanks for saying this.
Glad someone finally said this. The Native Speakerism concept has really made many clients ignore gifted writers... All because of their 'non-native English speaker' status.
A resounding YES!! The ESL teacher in me was screaming through my screen👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
True! Only time I guess it's okay is when project is very conversational in nature.
Writes text for marketing needs: Sales & Marketing copy, long-form digital branding
1wI worked in Customer Service several years ago. A disgruntled customer once asked as soon as the line was live, 'Have I been routed to India again?'. We had a protocol for how to talk to irate customers. But nowhere does it say forget that they're human and fallible. I said, 'We don't normally disclose this. But since you wish to know, yes, your call is now being handled in India.' The customer wasn't happy to hear this. Said he had spent 30 minutes waiting to speak to someone in the US; but kept tossing across Philippines, Indonesia, and Mumbai. I said I understood that waiting for any amount of time would've been frustrating (the times before mobile banking) when he wanted his bank information. But since I was already on a live line with him, could I try answering his question? He was happy to get to the 'service' part. By the end of the call, he had relaxed. He even admitted sheepishly, 'Actually, I had no trouble understanding you.' Of course, my reply to that was a stock phrase to the effect of 'I am glad I was able to assist you today.' But it was good to see that he looked past his biases, gave me a fair chance (instead of directly asking for 'your manager NOW' as some people do), wasn't churlish to me, and got served.