MOS:VAR

MOS:VAR

The Manual of Style (MOS) is a set of guidelines for writing and editing articles on Wikipedia. One of the key components of the MOS is the guideline known as MOS:VAR, which addresses the issue of varieties of English used in Wikipedia articles. This guideline is crucial for maintaining consistency and clarity in articles, especially those that may be edited by contributors from different English-speaking regions.

Overview

MOS:VAR is a guideline that provides direction on how to handle different varieties of English in Wikipedia articles. It is part of the broader Manual of Style and is designed to ensure that articles are written in a consistent and coherent manner, regardless of the English variety used.

Key Principles

The MOS:VAR guideline is based on several key principles:

Consistency

- Consistency within an article: Once a variety of English is established in an article, it should be used consistently throughout the article. This means that spelling, grammar, and usage should not switch between different varieties of English within the same article.

- Consistency with the subject: The variety of English used should be consistent with the subject matter of the article. For example, articles about topics related to the United Kingdom should use British English, while articles about topics related to the United States should use American English.

Retaining the Original Variety

- Respecting the original variety: If an article is started in a particular variety of English, subsequent edits should respect that choice unless there is a compelling reason to change it. This helps maintain the integrity and consistency of the article.

No Preference for Any Variety

- No preference for any variety: Wikipedia does not prefer one variety of English over another. The choice of variety should be based on the subject matter and the original version of the article, not on personal preference.

Implementation

The implementation of MOS:VAR involves:

- Identifying the appropriate variety: Editors should determine the most appropriate variety of English for an article based on its subject matter and the original version of the article.

- Editing for consistency: When editing an article, contributors should ensure that the variety of English is used consistently throughout the article.

- Discussing changes: If there is a disagreement about which variety of English to use, editors should discuss the issue on the article's Talk page and reach a consensus.

Challenges

MOS:VAR can present challenges, particularly in articles that cover topics with international relevance or when editors from different regions contribute to the same article. In such cases, editors are encouraged to collaborate and communicate effectively to maintain consistency and clarity.

Also see

- Wikipedia:Manual of Style - Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Spelling - Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Grammar - Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Usage - Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines