Let us teach you about a powerful tool that makes the world more understandable for people with Dyslexia and not only.
Plain language
Plain language is a method of writing and speaking that makes information easy to understand. It involves using simple, everyday words, clear sentence structures, and an organized layout to ensure that the reader can easily grasp the message.
The aim is to eliminate jargon, overly complex terms, and confusing phrases, making the content accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or expertise.
What are the main rules of plain language?
While writing in plain language, it is important to follow these basic rules:
- Use common, everyday words: Avoid jargon, technical terms, or overly complex vocabulary.
- Keep sentences short and clear: Aim for concise phrases with one idea per sentence.
- Use active voice: Active voice is more direct and easier to follow. For example, say “The teacher explained the concept” rather than “The concept was explained by the teacher.”
- Be specific and direct: Avoid vague language or unnecessary words. Get to the point clearly and quickly.
- Organise information logically: Present ideas in a clear sequence, using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and lists to break up information and guide the reader through the content.
- Avoid unnecessary complexity: Simplify numbers, dates, and instructions. For example, instead of “25% of the population,” you might say “1 in 4 people.”
- Use readability tools or test your content with real users to ensure it is easy to understand.
Who can benefit from plain language?
Plain language is useful for everyone, since it helps to read all kinds of text quickly and easily. It also reduces misunderstandings, saves time, and ensures that people of all literacy levels can access and understand essential information. It is particularly important in fields like healthcare, law, and government services, where clear communication can impact decision-making.
Plain language can help people with Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Disorders. Since they often struggle with understanding complex sentences and reading long paragraphs, they need the text to be adapted to their specific needs.
Similarly, plain text can be useful for immigrant people and those who learn a second language. Using plain text makes written materials more understandable for non-native speakers. As a result, it ensures that the text is inclusive.
If you are interested in plain language, we encourage you to check out Text it Easy – the project promoting it. More information can be found on the project’s website: https://text-it-easy.eu/