A TV Network in Malaysia in the 80's used to show Shakespeare plays in the afternoon, and I remember watching quite a number of them. What did not occur to me then, was that many of these characters were non-British yet they all spoke with British accents and used English expressions in their manner of speech. You will know what I mean if you watch a scene from Act II of Anthony and Cleopatra . I must admit, I also tend to write dialogue for my characters in a formal manner because I have grown up reading classics. When I do read a local book, I will read them in the original language. So writing colloquial dialogue in English is quite awkward for me. [ Click this link to watch the video that mirrors this post.] Today's tips are purely my opinion. Different writers will use different methods to come up with a style that is comfortable for them. Maybe you already have your own style, but you are not sure if it is best. Let me assure you that there is no best style in this day
An indigenous writer who writes in English.