Why plain English?
Imagine a reform that generated one dollar for every one cent invested! Fanciful as this might sound, it's exactly what happened when one American state adopted plain English.
We know that complex and bureaucratic language is a barrier to taking part in society, especially for people with low literacy. That's why 26TEN is building skills in plain English in Tasmania.
Using plain English:
- increases the chances that everyone will understand your message, including adults who have difficulty reading
- makes it easier for people to make better decisions
- means people make fewer mistakes, complaints and unnecessary queries, which increases satisfaction and efficiency
- makes instructions easier to follow which increases safety and compliance
- builds confidence in people using and delivering your service
- shows respect and consideration for your reader, which helps build better relationships.
- saves time for writers and readers.
Plain English is not about dumbing down information for the reader. It is about communicating with your readers in language they understand, whether they are specialists, colleagues, friends or clients.
Which would you rather read?
Before The hospital patient has the right to information relevant to his situation that must allow the patient the fullest insight into all aspects of his situation, medical and otherwise, and, on an informed basis, enable him to make his own decisions or to participate in decisions which have implications for his or her wellbeing. |
After You have a right to information about your condition that helps you understand it and make informed choices about your treatment. |
Definition of plain English
"A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure and design are so clear that the intended audience can readily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information." Source: International Plain Language Federation
26TEN's role in advocating for plain English
We are celebrating Plain English Month in May as part of our goal that everyone communicates clearly, as outlined in the ten-year strategy, 26TEN Tasmania.
26TEN is working with the legal, health, education,
community and government sectors to train people in plain English.
Already this year we have provided free workshops
for teachers, disability workers, health professionals and communities.
Later this year we will be training lawyers, academics, fisheries
officers, 26TEN supporters and many more.
How you can help
It takes a collective effort to lift adult literacy and numeracy and we encourage everyone to advocate for plain English by:
- taking part in free training in May, Plain English Month
- giving an organisation feedback on documents that are hard to understand
- becoming a 26TEN supporter by visiting our website, www.26ten.tas.gov.au
Events during 26TEN Plain English Month – May 2016
| Date | Event | For | Host | Location |
4 May 7.45 am | Key Event: The Power of Plain English panel discussion: Dr Neil James, Robin Banks, Tim Greenaway | All Tasmanians | 26TEN | Hobart |
4 May 10 am | A Postcard on Plain Language: Dr Neil James | 26TEN Coalition | 26TEN | Hobart |
4 May 2.30 pm | Achieving Permanent Clarity: Dr Neil James | Tasmanian Training Consortium | 26TEN & TTC | Hobart |
| 23 May | Plain English Workshop | All Tasmanians | LINC | Kingston |
| 24 May | Plain English Workshop | All Tasmanians | LINC | Launceston |
| 24 May | Plain English Workshop | All Tasmanians | LINC | Devonport |
About 26TEN
26TEN represents the 26 letters of the alphabet and the ten digits and is Tasmania's campaign for adult literacy and numeracy.
26TEN is a network of organisations and individuals working together to improve adult literacy and numeracy in Tasmania. Better literacy and numeracy means a better Tasmania for all.
26TEN's vision is for a state where all Tasmanians have the literacy and numeracy skills they need for work and life.