A Note on Plain English

We support the Plain Language Movement.

Plain English is the writing and setting out of essential information in a way that enables an interested reader to understand the text at a first reading.

This issue affects us all: as citizens or consumer we often struggle to make sense of poorly written documents which use complex sentence constructions or rely on obscure jargon (specialist language). The Plain Language movement arises from the recognition on the part of government and the private sector of the need to communicate clearly and effectively with their target audiences.

To meet the requirements of ‘plain language’ a test should convey the intended meaning  to the targeted reader. In other words, the definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ rather than ‘text-based’.

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act will require the use of plain language in all consumer documents.

Businesses in South Africa will soon be required to use plain language when dealing with consumers. The Consumer Protection Act seeks to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed choices. It makes plain language a basic right and a business obligation. In terms of the Act, which became law April 24, 2009,  a National Consumer Commission must be established by 2010. This Commission will produce a set of regulations which will provide the necessary guidelines.

We will rewrite documents in Plain English. This will require consultation with the client regarding the target audience.