What is Plain Language?
Is there a single, universally acceptable definition of plain language?
Here are a few examples of attempts that have been made to define plain language:
- Source: http://www.plainlanguage.gov/whatisPL/index.cfm – “Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Written material is in plain language if your audience can:
- Find what they need;
- Understand what they find; and
- Use what they find to meet their needs.”
- Source: http://www.plainlanguage.gov/whatisPL/definitions/eagleson.cfm – “Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Writers of plain English let their audience concentrate on the message instead of being distracted by complicated language.” (Professor Robert Eagleson, Australia).
- Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_language – “Plain language is clear, succinct writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly and completely as possible. Plain language strives to be easy to read, understand, and use. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon. In many countries, laws mandate that public agencies use plain language to increase access to programs and services.”
- Source: http://centerforplainlanguage.org/about-plain-language/ – “Plain language is information that is focused on readers. When you write in plain language, you create information that works well for the people who use it, whether online or in print. Our measure of plain language is behavioral: Can the people who are the audience for the material quickly and easily
- find what they need
- understand what they find
- act appropriately on that understanding
This means that the definition of “plain” depends on the audience. What is plain language for one audience may not be plain language for another audience. Plain language is more than just short words and short sentences — although those are often two very important guidelines for plain language. When you create information in plain language, you also organize it logically for the audience. You consider how well the layout of your pages or screens works for the audience.”
- Source: http://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org/stephens/intro.html – “Plain language is language that is understandable. What is clear, or what is plain to your intended audience, can only be decided by the audience. Most people expect a definition of plain language that describes writing of a certain style. Plain language is more a process — it has been described as a means to an end. Richard Coe, a Simon Fraser University English professor, points out:
Language that is “plain” to one set of readers may be incomprehensible for others. “Plain language” is a variable, not an absolute… we can and should define it as language they can understand, language that gives its readers the information they need… Insofar as our readers vary, so too will “plainness” vary.”
