A function for an electronic typewriter (10) is described. The function assures that when an operator moves the print mechanism back into a region where text has been typed either using a different pitch print element (15) or using a different language keyboard (14), the operation of the typewriter (10) is not enabled until the operator is notified that there exists a condition where a mismatch exists. In the case of the pitch mismatch, the typewriter (10) is only enabled after the operator takes steps to change the print element (15) or position the print point to a position where the mismatch no longer exist. In the situation where a keyboard (14) mismatch exists, the operator must take some step to restart the typewriter operation. This may be the changing of the keyboard (14) to correspond to the keyboard used to key the text in that region, and the changing of the print element (15). The changing of the keyboard (14) may be the only change required, since some languages share print elements.