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eJOURNAL volume 1, No 1 2019 Published by PLAIN, the international association promoting plain language around the world.
Preface
Margrethe Kvarenes
2. Dr. Neil James
Introduction: New networks for the
eJOURNAL I am proud to be introducing PLAIN’s
next generation first e-journal to you. And, as PLAIN’s first
The PLAIN e-journal is a publication
non-native English speaking president,
of the Plain Language Association
4. Vera Gergely International. It is published around
twice a year for PLAIN members.
I am particularly happy to introduce a truly
international journal. This journal, written in
Plain language in Hungary
Editors: 4 languages as well as English, is an accurate mirror
Joanna Richardson and Dr. Neil James Margrethe Kvarenes is a of PLAIN today. Our organization, which has strong
PLAIN publications chair: manager at the Language
roots in the English-speaking plain language world,
8. Beate Wiegard Miguel Martinho Council of Norway, the
Norwegian Government’s is pleased to now reflect the plain language movement
Plain language in Germany: Designer:
A complex matter consultative body on at a global level.
Paul Silva, Paul Silva Design
language issues. As plain
language advocate, lecturer, Our e-journal is available to all PLAIN’s members and
Copyright and author she has played gives exclusive insight on plain language today. I would
All articles are © 2019. Authors retain a major part in establishing like to thank PLAIN’s two immediate past presidents,
12. Machiko Asai and copyright in their contributions. Anyone
wanting to reproduce an article in whole
plain language in Norway’s
civil service – a ten-year
Dr. Neil James and Joanna Richardson, for putting it
Sarah Ingmanson Battaglia
or in part should obtain the author’s initiative which has set a together. While this is the first e-journal, PLAIN is
The ripple effect: Plain
permission and acknowledge PLAIN as new standard for public confident that we will continue to publish on a regular
English in Japan
the source. communication in Norway.
basis and bring our members plain language insights,
Her resume includes positions
16. Christian Anker and Submissions
If you would like to submit an article or in international organizations knowledge, and developments from around the world.
Maximiliano Nuñez advertise in future editions of and extensive Board We welcome suggestions for future contributions and
Strengthening citizen trust through the PLAIN e-journal, please write to: experience from both non- look forward to hearing from you.
plain language publications@plainlanguagenetwork.org governmental organizations
and public sector. She has a Warm regards,
great faith in PLAIN’s strategic
plan, and her main goals for
20. Mariana Bozetti her term as president are to
make more value for PLAIN’s
The Plain Language Network members and
in Argentina to professionalize the
organization and the field
of plain language further. PLAIN President
24. Betsy Perafán Liévano and We would like to
Germán Jair Arenas Arias
Plain language in Colombia acknowledge PEF as
founding sponsor of
PLAIN’s e-journal.
Plain Language Association International
Plain Language Association International
language world. These center Despite this diversity, the plain
around some powerful new language message is as clear in
networks. South America as it is in Central
Chile has been the leader. Christian Europe or East Asia.
Anker and Maximiliano Nuñez of So it seems fitting that PLAIN is
the Transparency Council outline launching its new journal at this
the plain language network of time – and in our 25th year – with
7 major public institutions in a multilingual issue in 5 languages:
that country, and how they have English, Hungarian, German, Dr. Neil James
hosted events, provided training, Japanese, and Spanish. Our thanks Dr. Neil James is Executive Director
and promoted plain language. go to all those who helped the of the Plain English Foundation
PLAIN was pleased to support the authors with translations to and in Australia, which combines
Chilean network’s first international from English: Janine Schaller- plain English training, editing,
seminar in Santiago in July 2018. Boyum, Torunn Reksten, Masumi and evaluation with a campaign
for more ethical public language.
New networks for Based on the Chilean model, Kitsukawa, Joanna Richardson,
and Emilia Ghelfi. Neil has published 3 books and
Argentina has set up its own over 90 articles and essays on
the next generation
network in quick time, with a The journal will continue to language and literature. From
wonderful model for guiding provide short, informative articles 2008 to 2015 he served as chair of
institutions through the plain about plain language around the International Plain Language
language process. Mariana Bozetti the world to inspire and inform Working Group, and from 2015
is the coordinator of its technical our members. In this way, PLAIN to 2017 as President of PLAIN. In
Dr. Neil James This first issue of PLAIN’s e-journal Of particular interest in Beate’s article committee and takes us through continues to fulfill its own vision 2018, Neil won the Nancy Keesing
Plain English Foundation highlights the next generation to is the debate over the differences how they will work. as a network of practitioners Fellowship at the State Library of
I
join our growing network: 6 more between “einfache Sprache” (plain Our journey ends in Colombia, supporting each other and New South Wales to complete the
n 1993, when 2 Canadians founded countries setting out on the plain language) and “Leichte Sprache” where Betsy Perafán Liévano promoting plain language. research for his next book.
the professional network that language journey. So sit back, buckle (easy-to-read) German, which in and Germán Jair Arenas Arias If there is one thing our history has
became PLAIN, its first members up, and get ready for a flight right some respects are competing discuss the new plain language taught us, it is that a handful of
were mostly from English speaking around the plain language globe. for focus. bill and manual that are helping individuals can have a significant
North America. Twenty five years Hopping back on our plane, we travel institutions communicate more impact in changing the way
Simple and complex
later, PLAIN now has members from east to Japan, where the concept of effectively with their citizens. their institutions, their countries,
over 30 countries working in some Our journey starts in Hungary, plain language is largely unknown. The university sector is getting and even their languages
15 languages. where in 2014 Vera Gergely started But in a shrinking economy and a involved, and a Colombian communicate. But that impact is
a one-woman band at a time globalized environment, it is the network was launched in October even greater when we connect
Much has progressed in those 25
when “nobody had heard of plain push for clearer English rather than 2018 to create a plain language through networks such as PLAIN
years. Plain language has become
language”. Exactly how does one plain Japanese that is creating the culture that “puts citizens at and those now being established
increasingly mainstream in many
person reform the communications first “ripple effect” towards plain the center”. by the next generation.
countries, and new countries
of an entire language and country? language.
and languages embrace clearer Our international impact
You start a blog, of course, and
communication every year. And Machiko Asai and Sarah Ingmanson
publicly share your journey as you These stories suggest plain
by learning from the previous Battaglia outline how a new
learn. language is poised to reach
generation, some have achieved consortium is about to launch in
Still in Europe, we find the situation a critical mass of countries
in just a few years what took Japan and raise awareness of the
is more complex in Germany, where globally in the decades ahead.
decades elsewhere. benefits of clearer communication.
Beate Wiegard surveys current Each country that sets out on
For example, the September 2019 that journey draws on the work
efforts to improve clarity. She The new networks
PLAIN conference in Oslo will of previous generations, but is
outlines exciting developments in The final leg of our journey takes us
highlight how Norway has gone from adapting that experience to its
the government, health, and legal to South America, where some of the
a plain language newcomer to own language and institutions.
sectors, and how the university sector most exciting developments have
a world leader in less than a decade.
is getting involved. been happening in the plain
2 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association InternationalPlain language in Hungary
Vera Gergely award (we didn’t have written criteria or Most notable among them is OTP Bank, I’ve also worked on several projects with
such), but we designed it get people’s the largest bank in Hungary. OTP is the Hungarian Helsinki Committee,
B ack in 2014, nobody in Hungary
had heard of PLAIN language.
We just accepted that letters from the
attention and raise awareness.
We asked readers to send us the worst
redesigning its website completely to
make it user-friendly, accessible, and (last
another human rights NGO. In one of
them, we’ve rewritten the Letter of Rights
and best texts they have encountered, but not least) comprehensible. to make it more comprehensible. This is
government, banks, and other providers
and they sent us a lot – most of which Achieving some firsts the document that people receive before
Vera Gergely were mostly incomprehensible. While
were bad examples. Together, the articles they are questioned by the police.
With a Master’s in there is a long way to go, customers In the meantime, I wrote the first guide
Economics, Vera worked as and citizens have started to expect clear and awards helped start a conversation to plain language in Hungarian, and Continuing the work
a software tester for years, communications. What’s more, several about plain language. I was asked to give published it on the web. My reasoning was A former client of mine got so enthusiastic
during which she recognized large companies have embraced plain interviews to other media outlets, thus that I wanted to spread plain language in about plain language that she joined me,
the importance of clear, language. But how did we end up here? spreading the word further. Hungary, and the only available resources so we work together now on different
unequivocal writing. This article outlines my efforts to promote Working with clients were in other languages. Hungarian projects. We developed and delivered
In 2014 she embarked on the plain language in Hungary as the first in Soon after, my first client approached resources meant that those who want to a train-the-trainers program for a state-
ambitious task of introducing the field here. My aim is not to boast, but me. I had used one of their texts on my learn more could do so. owned utility company, which trained
plain language in Hungary. to give an account of events and perhaps blog as a before-and-after example, and 2017 brought some further firsts: over 800 of their customer service people
Since then, she has worked inspire others in countries where plain they wanted my help to rewrite their in plain language.
• I had my first clients from the
as a freelancer, offering plain language is unheard of. letters. This was my first real-world lesson Of course, there is a long way to go. But
public sector.
language editing, training, Starting the conversation in navigating corporate departments, now that it has started, the move to plain
and coaching to banks, adhering to regulations, and so on. • I started doing training. language seems unstoppable.
In the beginning, I faced a three-fold
insurance companies, utility I also started teaching web writing as • I presented at TEDx Danubia.
problem. I had to:
companies, and also human part of a recurring “Introduction to User The most notable public sector client was
rights NGOs. With the help of 1. learn plain language myself
Experience” course, which helped me in the National Office for the Judiciary, which
a colleague she developed a 2. e
ducate other people that there two ways. First, I developed ties with the organized a conference on plain language
train-the-trainers program for is a problem that plain language user experience community in Budapest. in public administration. It dedicated 2017
the biggest utility company could solve Second, I got more prospective customers. to plain language in its work.
in Hungary. Most of the participants were sent there
3. m
ake a living by persuading people Moving into training
In 2015 she partnered up with to hire me to solve the problem. by their company, and several of them
I had been thinking of doing training for
a news portal and launched approached me later saying that their
So how do you learn, practice what you’ve a while, because it’s a much better way of
a plain language award. Vera company could use my services.
learned, and educate others all at the spreading the use of plain language than
also wrote a comprehensive In 2016, I started to work with more and
same time? You write a blog, obviously. rewriting documents alone. I practiced
guide on how to write clearly more companies – mostly banks and
I started a blog called Világos beszéd my first training plan with a human rights
in Hungarian. insurance companies. These were the
(“clear speech”), where I shared what I NGO. This was a win for both of us, as I got
Vera has served on the ones who: to try out my ideas, and they got plain
learned from my studies, some tips and
Communications Committee 1. u
nderstood how much it costs when language training for free.
tricks, as well as before-and-after examples
of Plain’s Language they are not clear
that I practiced with. Since then, I have delivered over
Association International’s
In 2015, I partnered with the news portal 2. wanted to fix it 30 training events at different companies
(PLAIN) Board since 2016.
444.hu, which found the topic interesting. 3. had the budget to fix it. – always tailored to their needs and
email: using their own materials (letters,
They wrote a couple of articles about
info@vilagosbeszed.hu brochures, web pages, and so on)
plain language and we launched a plain
language award. This wasn’t a professional for hands-on practice.
4 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association InternationalA közérthető fogalmazás
Magyarországon
2014-ben gyakorlatilag senki sem ahol megosztottam, amiket tanultam, A legtöbb résztvevőt a munkaadója Elmozdulás a tréningek felé
hallott még a közérthető fogalmazásról valamint olyan szövegek eredeti és átírt küldte a tanfolyamra, és később többen Akkoriban már gondolkoztam egy ideje
Magyarországon. Teljesen magától változatait, amiken gyakoroltam. is megkerestek azzal, hogy a cégüknél azon, hogy tréningeket kellene tartani,
értetődő volt, hogy nagyobbrészt A következő évben összefogtam a 444. szükség lenne a szolgáltatásaimra. mert sokkal hatékonyabban lehet vele a
érthetetlenek a hivatalos levelek, valamint hu oldallal, akik érdekesnek találták a 2016-ban már egyre több vállalatnak közérthető fogalmazást elterjeszteni, mint
a bankok és egyéb szolgáltatók levelei. Az témát. Írtak egy pár cikket a közérthető dolgoztam, főleg a pénzügyi szektorból. ha „csak” egyes dokumentumokat írok át
biztos, hogy még hosszú út áll előttünk, fogalmazásról, és meghirdettük a Ők voltak azok, akik érthetőre. Kidolgoztam egy képzési tervet,
Vera közgazdászként végzett, de ma már egyre több fogyasztó és Világos?!? díjat. Ez nem volt egy nagyon majd felajánlottam egy jogvédő civil
állampolgár várja el, hogy világosan 1. megértették, mennyibe kerül nekik,
és évekig szoftvertesztelőként szakmai díj, nem volt szabályrendszere – szervezetnek, hogy szívesen tartok nekik
kommunikáljanak vele. Sőt, néhány ha érthetetlenül fogalmaznak;
dolgozott. Ez idő alatt ébredt elsősorban az volt a cél, hogy felkeltsük egy ilyen tréninget. Ezzel mindketten
rá arra, mennyire fontos nagyvállalat is felismerte, mennyire fontos az emberek figyelmét és tudatosítsuk 2. változtatni akartak ezen; és
jól jártunk: ők ingyen jutottak hasznos
az egyértelmű, világos a közérthető fogalmazás. De hogyan bennük, hogy van más lehetőség is. 3. rá is szánták a szükséges tudáshoz, én pedig kipróbálhattam, mi
megfogalmazás. jutottunk idáig? pénzt és időt. működik és mi nem.
Arra kértük az olvasókat, hogy küldjék be
2014-ben vágott bele Ebben a cikkben arról írok, hogy én a legérthetőbb és a legérthetetlenebb A legismertebb közülük az OTP Bank, ami Azóta több mint 30 tréninget tartottam
abba, hogy meghonosítsa mit tettem a közérthető fogalmazás szövegeket, amikkel találkoztak. Rengeteg elhatározta, hogy teljesen megújítja a különböző vállalatoknál, mindig az ő
Magyarországon a elterjedéséért Magyarországon, de így szöveget kaptunk, természetesen a weboldalát úgy, hogy az felhasználóbarát, igényeikre szabva, az ő saját anyagaikat
közérthető fogalmazást. jár az, aki elsőként vág bele valamibe túlnyomó többségük az érthetetlen akadálymentes és nem utolsósorban (levelek, tájékoztatók, weboldal-szövegek
Azóta szabadúszóként egy országban. Kérem, tartsák észben, kategóriába tartozott. A cikksorozat és érthető is legyen. stb.) felhasználva gyakorlópéldáknak.
dolgozik, szövegeket ír hogy nem nagyzolni akartam, hanem a díjak együtt segítettek elindítani egy
összefoglalni a történteket és talán Néhány mérföldkő Több közös projektünk volt a Magyar
át, oktatja a közérthető párbeszédet a közérthető fogalmazásról.
inspirációul szolgálni azoknak, akik olyan Időközben megírtam az első magyar Helsinki Bizottsággal. Az egyikben a
fogalmazást és tanácsokat Más sajtótermékek is megkerestek a
országban élnek, ahol még ismeretlen a nyelvű részletes útmutatót a közérthető terhelti tájékoztatót fogalmaztuk át
ad bankoknak, biztosítóknak, témával kapcsolatban, így még tovább
közérthető fogalmazás. fogalmazásról, amit közzé is tettem érthetőbbre – ha meggyanúsítanak
közműcégeknek és civil terjedt a híre.
a weben: kozerthetofogalmazas.hu valamivel, a kihallgatás előtt ezt a
jogvédő szervezeteknek. Beszéljünk az érthetetlen Az első ügyfelek Az elképzelés emögött az volt, hogy tájékoztatót kapod arról, hogy milyen
Egy kollégájával együtt egy szövegekről
Nem sokkal később megkeresett az első szerettem volna, ha elterjed a közérthető jogaid vannak.
„képzők képzése” programot
A kezdetekben három kihívással találtam ügyfelem. Tőlük származott az egyik fogalmazás Magyarországon, de nem Folytatódik a munka
is kidolgozott a legnagyobb
magam szemben: szöveg, amit átírtam a blogon, és arra voltak magyar nyelvű anyagok erről a
magyar közműszolgáltató Egy korábbi ügyfelemet annyira
részére. 1. E
lőször is, nekem is meg kellett kértek, hogy segítsek átfogalmazni a témáról. Ezért első lépésként írtam egy
fellelkesítette a közérthető fogalmazás,
tanulnom közérthetően fogalmazni. leveleiket. Itt találkoztam először azzal, útmutatót, hogy aki szeretne erről többet
2015-ben a 444.hu oldallal hogy csatlakozott hozzám, és azóta
2. M
ásodsorban rá kellett ébresztenem milyen kihívást jelent egy nagyvállalatnál tudni, annak legyen hova fordulnia.
együtt megalapította a együtt dolgozunk. Kifejlesztettünk és
másokat, hogy igenis gond van szöveget írni, pl. hogy hogyan kell lavírozni 2017 tovább újdonságokat is hozott: megtartottunk egy „képzők képzése”
“Világos?!?” díjat. Megírta
ezekkel a szövegekkel, és erre a a különféle osztályok (marketing, jog, programot a Nemzeti Közművek Zrt.-ben,
továbbá az első magyar •e
lőször voltak ügyfeleim az állami
gondra a közérthető fogalmazás termék stb.) között, vagy hogy mennyiféle melynek eredményeképp több mint 800
nyelvű útmutatót a szektorból,
jelent megoldást. rendeletnek kell megfelelni. ügyfélszolgálati munkatársuk vett részt
közérthető fogalmazásról. • elkezdtem tréningeket tartani, és
3. V
égül pedig meg kellett győzzem Elkezdtem webes szövegírást tanítani egy közérthető fogalmazásról szóló tréningen.
Vera 2016 óta tagja a Plain • előadtam a TEDxDanubián.
őket arról, hogy hozzám forduljanak, „Bevezetés a User Experience-be” című, Amint említettem, hosszú út áll előttünk.
Language Association
ha érthető szövegeket szeretnének. rendszeresen ismétlődő tanfolyamon. Az állami szervezetek közül a legfontosabb De biztos vagyok benne, hogy most, hogy
International vezetőségének.
Ebből két előnyöm is származott. Egyrészt az Országos Bírósági Hivatal volt, akik már elindult, a közérthető fogalmazás
email: De hogyan tudsz egyszerre tanulni; megerősítette a kapcsolatomat budapesti szerveztek is egy „Közintézmények elterjedése megállíthatatlan.
info@vilagosbeszed.hu gyakorolni, amit megtanultál; és UX közösséggel, másrészt további közérthetősége” c. konferenciát, valamint
terjeszteni az igét? Nyilvánvalóan írsz egy ügyfelekre is szert tettem. 2017-et a közérthető bíróság évének
blogot. Elkezdtem a Világos beszéd blogot,
szentelték.
Plain Language Association International
6 | Plain Language Association InternationalPlain language in Germany:
A complex matter
Beate Wiegard in 2018. The ministers want to improve This is also the main focus at IDEMA of a website, and plain language for and nominalization, and using
services and increase citizen satisfaction
H ow does Germany compare Society for Comprehensible Language, the rest. But there is some confusion subheadings and lists to structure
with public institutions. an affiliated institute of the University about what “leichte” (easy-to-read) texts.
internationally when it comes to
plain language? At one level, there are The health sector of Bochum. and “einfache Sprache” (plain While the two approaches overlap,
no laws such as the Plain Writing Act in Plain language is also vital in healthcare. The Convention on the Rights language) mean. not every weak reader needs
the United States, nor dedicated national The Institute for Quality and Efficiency of Persons with Disabilities In 2012, for example, some Social easy-to-read texts and even good
institutions such as the Language Council in Health Care (IQWiG) has published Democratic Party (SPD) members readers can struggle with wordy
The Convention on the Rights of
of Sweden to enforce them. Yet a growing evidence-based health information in of the German Parliament asked texts and complex forms. That is the
Persons with Disabilities was another
range of initiatives is helping to make plain language for more than 10 years as the federal government about the great strength of plain German: it
important impetus for the accessibility
public information clearer. At the same part of its mandate to educate the public advancement of plain language in makes texts easier to understand
of information. This requires that all
time, there is some uncertainty about the in health. The institute designs health Germany. Among other things, they for everybody without omitting
people must be able to take part in all
difference between easy-to-read German information to help people live with a wanted to know which definitions of important content.
activities, regardless of (dis-)abilities.
and plain German. condition and understand the pros and “einfache Sprache” (plain language)
Beate Wiegard, M.A. The German barrier-free information A glass half empty
Laws and public administration cons of different treatments and services. and “Leichte Sprache” (easy-to-read)
technology ordinance states that or half full?
Beate studied English It also offers decision aids on both the government follows.
In the legal sector, Germany has a every website run by a public It may sometimes be tempting to
linguistics, literature, and treatment and screening options. The answer was that a “clear
tradition of reviewing draft laws to institution must use the clearest prioritize easy-to-read German with
economics at the RWTH In 2017, the Federal Ministry of Health distinction between the two is
enhance their comprehensibility. Since and plainest language appropriate. its strict rules, certification, and
Aachen University (Germany) commissioned the institute to develop a not possible; they are often used
1966, the Association for the German The following information must easy-to-read logo, and leave plain
and the University of Wales, concept for a national health portal. The aim as synonyms”. This answer is
Language has run an editorial office at the be available in both easy-to-read German aside because it is not as
Cardiff (United Kingdom). is to pool evidence-based information that quite surprising, as there are
German parliament to make laws clear, German and German sign language: clear-cut. Anyone who advocates
She graduated with a is reliable and easy to understand. One numerous differences.
and it offers advice on language and plain language also concedes that
thesis on the language of focus is on improving access to healthcare • i nformation about the content
comprehensibility. The Federal Ministry The rules for easy-to-read German current practice is not always perfect.
economic journalism from for people with low health literacy. and navigation
of Justice established an editorial are clear-cut: they can deviate from There is a lot of work to do and time
the perspective of critical • i nformation about parts of the
office in 2009 to work towards more Current research standard German and advocate and money to be spent: on revision,
linguistics and has been website that offer easy-to-read
comprehensible laws. There is little research on plain language the omission of many details. For user testing, and research. But there
interested in language and text or German sign language.
A number of stakeholders also promote as such in Germany. Some linguists example, easy-to-read German are still far too many texts baffling far
power ever since.
plain language in public administration. are working in the field of intelligibility The University Hildesheim focuses on starts every sentence on a new line, too many people – not just people
After finishing her studies, barrier-free communication and has uses a minimum 14 point font size, with learning difficulties, but just
The German Statutory Pension Insurance research, such as the universities of
she worked in various areas set up a research center for easy-to- avoids dates, large numbers and about anybody. This fact calls loudly
Scheme, for example, is working with the Halle-Wittenberg and Hohenheim.
of health communication, for read language. And the University of percentages, and tests texts with for plain language, be it in Germany
University of Speyer on its old age pension The University of Hohenheim has also
example in public relations Leipzig has initiated a study on using people with learning disabilities. or beyond.
information. The aim is to make it shorter, launched an initiative to advocate plain
consulting, publishing, and easy-to-read German in a working
more personal, and easier to understand. language in its own work and has set Plain German, on the other hand, Sources
press relations. She turned environment. This explores how this
This will be challenging: the information down rules for doing so. uses standard language and is less
to editing evidence-based kind of language can improve All websites linked to in this article
comes with up to 21 attachments, Apart from that, the focus is once again regulated. And while there are many
health information in 2009, the involvement of people with were accessed on June 16, 2018.
sometimes amounting to nearly 150 on public administration. The Institute textbooks and tips on plain writing,
focusing on plain language learning disabilities.
pages in total. for Administrative Communication at the there is no fixed set of rules everybody
and hard-to-reach target
In another example, finance ministers University of Speyer, for example, supports “Plain” or “easy-to-read” agrees on. Some of the common rules
groups.
of the federal states dedicated their last the German Statutory Pension Insurance language? include avoiding foreign words
email: and complex sentences, reducing
annual meeting to citizen-friendly language Scheme and other public institutions to The German barrier-free information
beate.wiegard@iqwig.de passive voice
in financial administration. North Rhine– improve communication. technology ordinance requires easy-
Westphalia has already revised 600 forms to-read German only for a few parts
8 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association InternationalEinfache Sprache in Deutschland –
eine recht komplizierte Angelegenheit
Beate Wiegard verständlich zu machen. Die Aufgabe ist verbessern. alten werden, für alle Inhalte die klarste oftmals werden beide Begriffe synonym einfache Sprache links liegen zu lassen,
herausfordernd: Ein Rentenbescheid kann Aktuelle Forschung und einfachste Sprache verwenden verwendet.“ Diese Antwort ist er- die weniger klar definiert ist. Wer sich für
derzeit bis zu 21 Anlagen und insgesamt müssen, die angemessen ist. Zusätzlich staunlich, da es zahlreiche Unterschiede einfache Sprache einsetzt, gesteht damit
Es gibt in Deutschland nicht allzu viel For- dazu müssen folgende Informationen in
150 Seiten umfassen. gibt. zugleich ein, dass Vieles nicht perfekt
schung zu einfacher Sprache als solcher. Leichter Sprache und in Zeichensprache
Ein anderes Beispiel: Die Finanzminister Die Regeln für Leichte Sprache sind fest ist. Dass es Einiges zu tun gibt, dass Zeit
Linguistinnen und Linguisten im Bereich verfügbar sein:
der Länder haben ihre letzte Jahrestagung umrissen: Sie weichen manchmal von und Geld investiert werden müssen – für
Verständlichkeitsforschung beschäftigen
der bürgerfreundlichen Sprache in der • Informationen über den Inhalt und die der Standardsprache ab und sprechen Überarbeitungen, Nutzertestungen und
sich unter anderem damit, zum Beispiel an
Finanzverwaltung gewidmet. Nordrhein- Navigation und sich für das Auslassen vieler Details aus. Forschung. Denn es gibt immer noch viel
den Universitäten Halle-Wittenberg und
Westfalen hatte bis zur Mitte des Jahres Zum Beispiel soll man jeden neuen Satz zu viele Texte, die viel zu viele Menschen
Hohenheim. Die Universität Hohenheim • Informationen über Teile der Website,
Einfache Sprache: Wo steht Deutschland 2018 bereits 600 Formulare überarbeitet. in eine neue Zeile schreiben, Schriftgröße fast in den Wahnsinn treiben. Ein lauter
hat außerdem eine Initiative auf den Weg die Inhalte in Leichter Sprache oder
im internationalen Vergleich? Es gibt weder Die Minister wollen die Service- 14 oder größer verwenden, hohe Zahlen Ruf nach einfacher Sprache – sei es in
gebracht, um bei der eigenen Arbeit den Zeichensprache enthalten.
ein Gesetz wie den American Plain Writing Orientierung verbessern und so die und Prozentzahlen vermeiden und den Deutschland oder sonst wo auf der Welt.
Gebrauch einfacher Sprache zu fördern. Die Universität Hildesheim hat einen
Act noch eine staatliche Institution wie das Zufriedenheit der Bürgerinnen und Bürger Im Rahmen der Initiative hat sie Regeln für
Text immer von Menschen mit Lern- Quellen
Schwerpunkt im Bereich barrierefreie schwierigkeiten prüfen lassen.
Language Council of Sweden, um einfach- mit öffentlichen Institutionen erhöhen. einfache Sprache formuliert. Zugriff auf alle in diesem Artikel verlink-
Kommunikation. Dort gibt es außer-
er Sprache Geltung zu verschaffen. Immer Das Gesundheitswesen Einfache Sprache ist immer noch Stan- ten Websites: 16.06.2018
Davon abgesehen liegt auch bei der dem eine eigene Forschungsstelle zu
mehr Initiativen tragen jedoch dazu bei, dardsprache und weniger stark reguliert.
öffentliche Information verständlicher zu Einfache Sprache spielt auch im Gesund- Forschung der Schwerpunkt im Bereich Leichter Sprache. Die Universität Leipzig
öffentliche Verwaltung: Das Institut für Es gibt Bücher und Tipps zum einfachen
heitswesen eine zentrale Rolle. Das Institut hat zudem eine Studie initiiert, die sich
machen. Gleichzeitig herrscht manchmal und verständlichen Schreiben, aber
für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Verwaltungskommunikation an der mit Leichter Sprache im Arbeitsleben Beate Wiegard, M.A.
eine gewisse Unsicherheit hinsichtlich kein festes Regelwerk, das allgemeiner
Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG) veröffentlicht Universität Speyer zum Bespiel unterstützt beschäftigt. Sie soll zeigen, wie diese Art Beate hat an der RWTH Aachen
des Unterschiedes zwischen „Leichter Konsens ist. Wer Texte in einfachem
zum Beispiel seit mehr als zehn Jahren evi- nicht nur die Deutsche Rentenversi- von Sprache die Teilhabemöglichkeiten (D) und der University of Wales,
Sprache“ und „einfacher Sprache“. Deutsch schreiben will, kann sich zum
denzbasierte Gesundheitsinformationen cherung, sondern auch andere öffentliche von Menschen mit Lernschwierigkeiten Cardiff (GB) Anglistische Linguistik,
Rechtssprache und Verwaltung in einfacher Sprache. Es erfüllt damit Institutionen bei ihren Bemühungen, ihre verbessern kann.
Beispiel an folgenden Regeln orientieren:
Literaturwissenschaften und
Kommunikation zu verbessern. Dies ist Fremdwörter und komplizierte Sätze
Im rechtlichen Bereich hat es in einen Teil seines gesetzlichen Auftrags, für Volkswirtschaftslehre studiert.
„Einfache“ oder „Leichte“ vermeiden, aktive Verbformen statt
Deutschland Tradition, die Entwürfe von alle Bürgerinnen und Bürger verständliche auch das Hauptarbeitsgebiet der IDEMA Sie machte ihren Abschuss mit
Sprache? Passivierungen und Nominalisierungen
Gesetzestexten redaktionell begutachten Gesundheitsinformationen bereitzustellen. Gesellschaft für verständliche Sprache, einer Arbeit über die Sprache
einem An-Institut der Ruhr-Universität Die deutsche Barrierefreie-Informa- benutzen, Zwischenüberschriften und
zu lassen, um ihre Verständlichkeit zu Die vom IQWiG entwickelten Gesund- des Wirtschaftsjournalismus
Bochum. tionstechnik-Verordnung verlangt nur Aufzählungszeichen benutzen, um den
erhöhen. Die Gesellschaft für deutsche heitsinformationen sollen Menschen aus der Perspektive von Critical
für wenige Teile einer Website Leichte Text zu strukturieren.
Sprache e. V. unterhält zu diesem Zweck helfen, mit einer Erkrankung zu leben Einfluss der UN-Behinderten- Linguistics und interessiert sich
und die Vor- und Nachteile verschiedener Sprache und für den Rest einfache Dass die Regeln für einfache und Leichte
bereits seit 1966 einen Redaktionsstab rechtskonvention seitdem für Sprache und Macht.
Untersuchungen und Behandlungen zu Sprache. Aber manchmal gerät durchein- Sprache überlappen, heißt nicht, dass
am Deutschen Bundestag. Der Nach ihrem Studium arbeitete sie
Das Übereinkom¬men über die Rechte ander, was mit „Leichter” Sprache und
Redaktionsstab berät auch bei anderen verstehen. Das Institut bietet außerdem alle schwachen Leser Leichte Sprache in verschiedenen Bereichen der
von Men¬schen mit Behin¬derun¬gen was mit „einfacher” Sprache gemeint ist.
Fragen zu Sprache und Verständlichkeit. Entscheidungshilfen zu Behandlungs- und benötigen. Und selbst guten Leserin- Gesundheitskommunikation, zum
(UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention) war
2009 hat das Bundesministerium für Justiz Früherkennungsmöglichkeiten an. 2012 richtete zum Beispiel eine Gruppe nen und Lesern können wortreiche Beispiel in der PR-Beratung, im
ein anderer wichtiger Impulsgeber für die
zudem ein eigenes Redaktionsbüro von Bundestagsabgeordneten aus der Erklärungen und komplexe Formulare Verlagswesen und in der Pressearbeit.
2017 hat das Bundesministerium für barrierefreie Kommunikation. Es verlangt,
eröffnet, das auf verständlichere Gesetze SPD-Fraktion eine kleine Anfrage an die zu schaffen machen. Genau das ist die Seit 2009 beschäftigt sie sich mit
Gesundheit das Institut beauftragt, ein dass es allen Menschen möglich sein
hinwirken soll. Konzept für ein nationales Gesund- Bundesregierung. Sie fragte nach dem große Stärke der einfachen Sprache: Sie der Redaktion evidenzbasierter
muss, an allen Aktivitäten teilzunehmen
heitsportal zu entwickeln. Ziel ist vor „Sachstand zur Förderung der Ein- macht Texte für alle verständlicher, ohne Gesundheitsinformationen mit den
In der Verwaltung setzen sich ebenfalls – unabhängig von ihren Fähigkeiten bzw.
allem, evidenzbasierte Informationen zu fachen Sprache in Deutschland“. Die auf wichtige Inhalte zu verzichten. Schwerpunkten einfache Sprache
verschiedene Akteure für einfache Sprache Beeinträchtigungen.
bündeln, die sowohl verlässlich als auch Gruppe wollte unter anderem wissen, Ist das Glas halbleer oder und schwer erreichbare
ein. Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung
Die deutsche Verordnung zur Schaffung welcher Definition von einfacher Sprache
überarbeitet zum Beispiel zurzeit mit leicht verständlich sind. Ein Schwerpunkt halbvoll? Zielgruppen.
barrierefreier Informationstechnik nach im Vergleich zur Leichten Sprache die
Unterstützung der Universität Speyer liegt darauf, Menschen mit geringer Es ist vielleicht manchmal verlockend, email:
dem Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz Bundesregierung folgt.
ihre Rentenbescheide. Ziel ist, die Gesundheitskompetenz zu erreichen und sich für Leichte Sprache zu entscheiden – beate.wiegard@iqwig.de
legt zum Beispiel fest, dass alle Websites,
Bescheide kürzer, persönlicher und leichter ihren Zugang zum Gesundheitswesen zu Die Antwort: „Eine eindeutige Unter- für ihr festes Regelwerk, die Zertifizierung
die von öffentlichen Institutionen unterh-
scheidung zwischen „Einfacher Sprache“ und das Leichte-Sprache-Logo – und die
und „Leichter Sprache“ ist nicht möglich;
10 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association InternationalThe ripple effect: Plain English in Japan
Machiko Asai and Sarah Ingmanson Battaglia, A&People
T ypically,
when
someone thinks
investing in the infrastructure needed
for overseas communication because
the status quo didn’t seem to have
At present, the English published
by Japanese companies and
government agencies tends to
By compiling resources and offering
training and certification programs,
we seek to improve the knowledge
of plain English, it is negative economic consequences. include difficult vocabulary and and skills of those in Japan who
the English-speaking Today, however, overseas sentence structures that reflect create and transmit information
countries that come involvement has become critical. their Japanese origins. The result in English. We plan to host plain
to mind. Yet Japan is To welcome international investment is an unnatural English with a high English experts from other parts of
experiencing a ripple effect flows, we must be able to propensity for euphemism the world at our seminars, and we
from the influence of plain communicate effectively. As a and redundancy. will recognize Japanese companies
English in western countries. result, plain English has a push–pull The promotion of plain English in that are promoting plain English Machiko Asai Sarah Ingmanson Battaglia
In a globalized world, the flow of feel in Japan. Japan is an obvious remedy to this and excelling in clear English Machiko graduated from Sarah graduated
everything – people, goods, money, problem and forms the basis of communication at an annual Aoyama Gakuin University Summa Cum Laude in
As an example, when Sarah arrived awards ceremony.
and information – is gathering at Morgan Stanley Japan for her a new mission. with a Bachelor’s in Business International Relations and
speed. With the ability to connect summer internship in 2002, she was We are looking to change the Our international participation Administration. In 2002, Quantitative Economics
with any number of people at any asked to come up with an equity “good enough” mindset in English in plain English forums such as she received her MBA from the from Tufts University. She
point in time, we all face the issue research sales strategy. Since the final communication in Japan to one PLAIN will help us influence the key Graduate School of International received a Fulbright in 1999 to
of communicating in a way that can presentation would be in English, that sees English as a strategic tool decision-makers in the private and Politics and Economics, Aoyama conduct research on Japan’s Pension
keep up. Plain English is the obvious she started searching through to genuinely communicate with public sectors of Japan. It will also Gakuin University. In 2015, she was Crisis at Osaka University. In 2004,
commercial solution to this issue. the English annual reports of the overseas partners, constituents, give Japan a voice in the international appointed as an executive mentor to Sarah earned an MBA in Finance
This article surveys how these Japanese companies in her chosen and stakeholders. discussions about plain English and Women’s Innovation School of Japan. from the Wharton School and an MA
“plain English ripples” are arriving in industry. Her background in Japanese international standards. In 1998, Machiko founded in International Affairs (Japan/East
A new consortium Asia) from the Lauder Institute of
Japan, and how a new consortium is language made it apparent that the The wider benefits A&People Corporation to provide
attempting to promote it. rather odd English she was finding At A&People (particularly in our high-quality and trustworthy the University of Pennsylvania. She
capacity as a translation and Beyond boosting Japanese won the Thesis Prize for her master’s
Investing in clearer came from literal translations. companies on the world stage, translations. In particular, she
interpretation company in Japan) we sought to create Investor Relations dissertation, “Corporate Pension
communication Like many of her foreign colleagues thought of plain English as a solution there are many other benefits to Reform in Japan: Big Bang or
with Japanese language proficiency, consider in the face of the nation’s solutions that would appeal and
With a rapidly aging society and for the clients who were struggling “speak” to foreign investors. From Big Bust?”
declining birth rate, the economy Sarah discarded the translated to communicate effectively with low birthrate and rapidly aging
reports and favored the native population. For Japan to become an 2010, A&People began co-hosting After graduation, Sarah joined
in Japan has been shrinking. This overseas investors. Plain English seminars with Japan Morgan Stanley as a point person
is increasing the need for foreign Japanese ones. This also explained inviting destination for tourists and
why foreign language skills were The main challenge we experience foreign workers (as taxpayers), plain Investor Relations Association for Japan on global projects in
investment in a broad sense – stems from the lack of awareness, (JIRA) for Investor Relations Officers Equity Research and years later, in
including foreign workers and deemed more critical in Tokyo English will help them to get around
than in any other office of Morgan trust, and buy-in for plain English. the country and live locally. representing corporate members Investment Banking. She worked
tourists – to compensate for a Aside from the communication of JIRA. from both sides of the Pacific for
shortage of local workers. Simplifying Stanley around the globe. There was Looking ahead to the global
a real struggle to communicate and directors and investor relations exposure from the 2020 Tokyo the duration of her
our visa process and making tourist officers at a handful of listed 11-year tenure.
areas more friendly for foreigners conduct analysis for anyone who Olympics and the expected surge in
couldn’t read or speak Japanese. Japanese companies, people in foreign labor in the years beyond, an
are 2 areas where plain English can Japan are simply unfamiliar with
support this demographic shift. The value of plain English English language policy that inspires
the term “plain English”. clear communication and deeper
By contrast, when the Japanese This experience explains why plain So in April this year, we are launching exchanges can only benefit us all.
economy grew significantly in the English communication is becoming Japan Plain English and Language
1980s, the focus was mostly on a necessity for Japanese companies Consortium (JPELC), the first such
growth. Little thought was paid to and society more broadly. organization in Japan.
12 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association International欧米からの波及 資をしなくとも経済が成り立っ す。日本語ができなければコミ 進する初の団体であるJapan の外国人労働者の急増に対して
効果：日本にお ていたため、真のコミュニケー ュニケーションや分析の実施が Plain English and Language も、明快なコミュニケーション
けるプレイン・イ ションの投資よりも、それ以外 大変でした。 Consortium（JPELC）を発足いた 方法であるプレイン・イングリ
ングリッシュ に時間とエネルギーが費やされ します。 ッシュを導入することで、多く
一般にプレイン・イ てきました。 プレイン・イングリッシュの価値 の国民と外国の方々との交流と
ングリッシュという こうした例もあり、プレイン・ 英文情報を作成し、発信する人 理解を深め、さらに魅力ある日
言葉を聞けば英語圏の しかしながら、先に述べたグロ イングリッシュでのコミュニケ に対して知識とスキルの向上の 本の国づくりにつながると信じ
話を想像すると思います ーバル化と少子高齢化により、 ーションは日本の企業や社会に ための諸施策（知識編纂、研 ます。
が、日本でもプレイン・イ 待ったなしで、海外との門戸を おいて広く必要になってきてい 修、検定など）を提供します。
ングリッシュの影響を波及 開ける必要性に迫られている昨 ます。 また海外からプレイン・イング サラ・イングマンソン・
的に受けています。世界のグ 今、コミュニケーションにおい リッシュの専門家を招聘するセ バッタグリア
ローバル化、ネットワーク化、 ても、スピーディーに誤解な 現在、日本の企業や官公庁の作 ミナーやプレイン・イングリッ
ボーダレス化が進むなかで、ヒ く、双方の理解や訴求ができ、 成する英文は単語が難しく、文 シュを推進する企業や明快な英 タフツ大学国際関係
ト、モノ、資金、情報が活発に 円滑なコミュニケーションのニ 章の構成が日本語の影響で、婉 文コミュニケーションを行って 学および数量経済学修
行きかう現在、コミュニケーシ ーズが高まっています。 曲、冗長になりがちです。 いる企業へのアワードの授与な 士課程を最優等で卒業。1999年
ョンにおいて、より多くの不特 ども行う予定です。 にフルブライト奨学金を得て大
定多数の人とのコミュニケーシ ここで弊社のアメリカ出身の顧 日本でのプレイン・イングリッ 阪大学で日本の年金危機に関す
ョンが可能になりました。そう 問であるサラの体験を紹介しま シュの推進はこうした問題への PLAINはじめ国際的なプレイ る研究を行う。2004年ペンシル
した中で、プレインなランゲー しょう。彼女は日本のモルガン 解決策であり新たなミッション ン・イングリッシュの団体に ベニア大学ウォートンスクール
ジが常用化していくことは言う スタンレーで2002年夏のインター でもあります。単に英語になっ も所属しているため、日本の官 にてMBA（ファイナンス）お
までもありません。 ンシップの際に株式調査の営業 ていればよいというスタンスか 民における主要な意思決定者へ よびローダー・インスティテュ
戦略を準備することになりまし ら、真にコミュニケーションを の働きかけにもつながるでしょ ートにて国際関係学（日本/東
このエッセイではプレイン・イ た。最終のプレゼン資料は英語 図るための戦略的ツールとし う。またプレイン・イングリッ アジア）のMAを取得。修士論
ングリッシュの波及効果の例、 であるため、彼女は日本企業の て、冗長的な英語のコミュニケ シュやISO化についての国際的な 文「Corporate Pension Reform in
またプレイン・イングリッシュ 英語版のアニュアルレポートを ーションを変える必要に迫られ ディスカッションへの発言も予 Japan: Big Bang or Big Bust?」で論
を推進する新たなコンソーシア リサーチしはじめたところ、そ ています。 定しています。 文賞を受賞。
ムについてご紹介します。 の英語がプレイン・イングリッ
シュではなく不自然であり、そ 新たなコンソーシアム 広がるメリット 卒業後、モルガンスタンレーで
真のコミュニケーションへの投資 れは日本語の直訳が原因であっ 翻訳• 通訳サービスを提供するエ プレイン・イングリッシ 株式調査、その後投資銀行業務
日本では少子高齢化社会が急速 たことに気づきました。 、海外投資家 ュは日本企業のグローバ のグローバル・プロジェクトに
に進んでおり、マーケットの縮 への効率的なコミュニケーショ ルな躍進の後押しだけで おける日本のコンタクト・パー
小に伴い、海外への投資が今ま 日本語が得意な他の外国人の同 ンという課題を抱えるクライア はなく、直面している少 ソンとして11年にわたり日米を
で以上に必要とされてきていま 僚のように、彼女も英語に翻訳 ントにとって、 子高齢化対策を考えるうえでも 往復する生活を送る。
す。さらに、労働者不足を補う されたレポートではなく日本語 ュがその解決策であると 貢献します。また日本が訪日観
ために、外国人労働者のビザの 版を使いました。プレイン・イ 考えています。しかしその認知 光客や外国人労働者（納税者） 2015年、エイアンドピープルのプ
緩和策、観光客誘致など広い意 ングリッシュに慣れている彼女 度がまだ低く、一部の上場企業 に対して、安心と尊厳を守り、 レイン・イングリッシュ・セミ
味での投資が必要です。 にとっては英語版ではなく、日 の広報・IR担当者を除き、プレ 情報を配信する側の責任と公正 ナー講師およびIRシニア・アド
本語版のほうが使いやすかった イン・イングリッシュという言 さを全うする意味でプレイン・ バイザー就任。
また、これまで日本国内の市場 のです。世界中のモルガンスタ 葉さえ、知らない日本人が大多 イングリッシュがその一助にな
規模が大きく、ビジネスが国内 ンレーのなかで日本オフィス 数です。 ると考えます。
で成立していたこともあり、海 が一番語学のスキルが重要視さ そこで今年の4月に日本でプ 2020年の東京オリンピックや今後
外とのコミュニケーションに投 れるのにはそうした理由からで レイン・イングリッシュを推
14 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association InternationalStrengthening citizen trust
through plain language
Christian Anker and language as a tool for access to, and To date, the network has held over 40 Plain Language Association International
understanding of, public information. meetings and various educational and and the Pontificia Universidad Católica
Maximiliano Nuñez In particular, we have aligned these promotional events. Our achievements de Valparaíso. Our aim was to highlight
Council for Transparency, Chile initiatives with the open government include: the importance of plain language in
Several surveys have pointed out that initiative that calls for public policies • 2 colloquiums state–citizen communication, by sharing
Chile is going through a deep crisis based on: national and international experiences
•a
n institutional accountability and initiatives that provide access to
of confidence, both in people and • transparency day (March 2018) public information for citizens.
Christian Anker institutions. A 2017 Transparency Study Maximiliano Nuñez
• accountability • a website
found that in Chile: Several outstanding international speakers
With a Psychology degree With a degree in Public
• citizen participation • teaching resources. took part, including a keynote from Dr.
from the Universidad de • 86% of people believe “you cannot Policy & Political Sciences,
Chile, Christian Anker went trust most people” (people-to-people • innovation 2. Online plain language courses Neil James of Australia, who spoke about Maximiliano also earned
on to earn a master’s in Public trust) • use of technology. the state of plain language internationally. a master’s in Government
An e-learning course provides the
Policy and an MBA at the Other major speakers included Cristina and Public Policy from
• 23% of people trust public Open Government Action Plans commit basics on public communication and
same university. Carretero from Spain, Germán Jaír from the Universidad de Chile.
institutions and 25% trust the private to a “work model and plain language highlights focusing on citizen needs by Colombia, and Gloria de la Fuente, a He has worked in the
Christian works in the sector (institutional trust). resources in public administration”. using plain language. It also emphasizes member of the CPLT. field of transparency and
Council for Transparency, The survey also highlighted that many Using this as a reference point, Chile has the importance of plain language in
Chile, promoting access to developed four initiatives. promoting democracy. The right to understand access to information,
citizens “have difficulty in understanding
information and coordinating open government, and
the information” delivered by a public 1. Plain language network The online training also illustrates the These initiatives help us to engage
training activities for public public sector innovation.
office (VI Encuesta Nacional de Derechos most common errors in public documents, citizens so that public employees better
employees and the general Our plain language network brings Maximiliano currently works
Ciudadanos, 2016), and that citizens showing how they can be improved understand the importance of their role
public. He also teaches Social together 7 of Chile’s public institutions: in dissemination at the
perceive this to be the state “treating them with a self-correcting form covering plain in communicating information effectively.
and Legal Psychology at the • Supreme Court Council for Transparency,
badly” (United Nations Development language best practices. The language that institutions use can
Universidad Católica de Chile. Chile.
Program, 2017). • Auditors Office marginalize citizens and create distrust.
3. Promotion of plain language email:
email: Plain language initiatives can foster
This article outlines current efforts in Chile • House of Representatives
anker.christian@gmail.com The network also developed and sent to relationships based on trust between maxnunezg@gmail.com
to improve public trust through access to
• Congress Library all agencies a Recommendation to Use citizens and institutions and boost
information – and the vital role that plain
• Transparency Council Plain Language. This focuses on applying democracy.
language plays in doing so.
the principles of plain language to offices
• Catholic University of Valparaíso As a result, it is crucial that we emphasize
The Council for Transparency that provide information and receive
the right of access to public information,
2018 was the tenth anniversary of the •G
eneral Secretariat of the Presidency requests from the public. but also make sure that everyone can
Law of Transparency and Access to Ministry. The “Recommendation” document understand that information. This will be
Public Information in Chile. This created The network generates initiatives, projects, emphasizes clarity as part of a citizen’s the cross-cutting result of installing plain
the Council for Transparency (CPLT) as and measures that promote, advertise, right to access information, and the need language best practices in Chilean state
an independent public agency that and facilitate the use of plain language to avoid barriers in accessing services. In institutions.
guarantees, audits, and promotes access within the member institutions and other addition, the Transparency Law 2.0 is also
to information. state agencies. proposing a principle of plain language.
To boost citizen trust, CPLT developed 4. First international seminar
several initiatives to position plain
The network’s largest event to date
was held with the support of the
16 | Plain Language Association International Plain Language Association InternationalYou can also read
