My practice encompasses many aspects of what is known as ‘plain language’, but so much more. For example, I look at content not from a grade reading level but from an overall perspective of cognitive processing.
Most projects include the following tasks: writing, substantive/structural editing, stylistic editing, copyediting, proofreading, translation and design. At each of these phases it is important to apply some or all of the 9 principles.
For me, this expression covers a broad set of features used to communicate, either verbally or with text and other media. It includes factors related to language, structure and design, and the relevance and appropriateness of all these to the subject and the target reader. It is clear in that the widest audience possible in […]
Yes, keeping in mind that what that looks like will vary widely depending on various factors: genre (from ads to research reports); audience (from children to policy makers); purpose (from a brochure to a manual).
For some French writers, editors and translators, some practices of clear and effective communication seem to contradict traditions relating to what is considered a high level of writing. However, more and more people accept the value of such practices.
Plain language is a term that has been in use for many years now but that has many interpretations depending on the user. Some think it means speaking to the weakest reader, calling it ‘dumbing down’. However, I believe this is a gross misconception of the term and practice. PLAIN defines it as follows: “A […]
Bias-free language is language about people that is appropriately neutral. It therefore does not introduce a bias based on sex, race, age, ability, disease, sexual orientation, etc. To avoid bias, you should use terms denoting these categories only if they are absolutely relevant. Below are just a few examples of best practices: Use equivalent terms […]
Language that contains bias does not reflect the full potential of people. It leads to thinking that is biased and may lead to people being excluded, either on a one-time basis or as a cultural norm.