John R. Kohl’s The Global English Style Guide is the “gold standard” for writing in Global English. The book, a manual, provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for writing clear, concise, and globally understandable English, particularly for non-native speakers and for content intended for translation. Here is a summary of the primary rules Kohl lays out:

1. Use Simple, Direct Language: Avoid idioms, colloquialisms, and culturally specific references that might confuse non-native speakers or make translation difficult. Use clear and straightforward language instead.
2. Maintain Consistency: Stick to consistent terminology and sentence structures throughout your writing. This reduces ambiguity and helps maintain clarity.
3. Limit Sentence Complexity: Write short, simple sentences. Avoid complex sentence structures, such as those with multiple clauses, which can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand and can lead to translation errors.
4. Be Cautious with Vocabulary: Choose words that are commonly understood and avoid synonyms for the same concept to prevent confusion. Avoid using words with multiple meanings.
5. Clarify Pronoun References: Make sure that pronouns clearly refer to a specific noun, reducing the chances of misinterpretation.
6. Use Lists and Tables for Clarity: Present information in lists or tables where appropriate, which can make content easier to scan and understand.
7. Avoid Ambiguity: Eliminate ambiguous language by being specific and explicit in your descriptions and instructions.
8. Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivity: Write in a way that is neutral and universally respectful, avoiding content that could be culturally insensitive or misinterpreted.
9. Simplify Technical Jargon: When technical terms are necessary, explain them clearly or provide a glossary. Avoid unnecessary technical jargon.
10. Use Active Voice: Prefer active voice over passive voice, as it is generally clearer and more direct.

These rules aim to create content that is easy to read, understand, and translate, making it accessible to a global audience.