International Plain Language Day
On October 13, International Plain Language Day promotes the use of concise and simple information. It's also a day to remind people that plain language is important.
Have you ever read a research, blog post, or some other form of written communication? Was it difficult to figure out what you were reading? It could be because it was not written in clear and simple words, if so. All businesses, organizations, and governments should embrace the possibility of using plain language. Why? Why? Just consider the average reading level of the general population.. The typical person in the United States reads at a 7th to 8th grade level. Only 22% of the population of a global scale reads at a high literacy rate.
Japan, Finland, Finland, Netherlands, Australia, and Sweden are among the countries with the highest literacy rates. The United States ranks 17th in the world's top tenth. According to this survey, the United States is below average for literacy. To effectively communicate with the majority of the world's population, plain language is required, as you can see...
- Here are some benefits of using plain language
- Reduces mistakes
- In the shortest time possible, get your message out in the fastest time possible
- Readers are less likely to be concerned with stress and anxiety as a result of the decreases
- More people understand the message. More people are aware of the message. More people are aware of the message
- Reduces the likelihood of being misunderstood
Many who use plain words when writing should still write for their reader rather than themselves. In addition, sticking to the subject, writing in an active voice, shortening sentences, and using everyday words can make the text more understandable.
How to celebrate #plainlanguageday..
This day is a good one for businesses, organizations, and anyone that needs to connect with the public. Literary festivals, plain language instruction sessions, luncheons, and exhibitions of plain language work are all around the world.
To participate:
- Take a writing course
- Write a paragraph or essay and ask others how well they know it
- Learn more about the benefits of using plain words
- Commit to reading and writing daily
With #PlainLanguageDay or #IPLD, share this day with a simple message on social media with #PlainLanguageDay or #IPLD.
History has a long tradition of an international plain language day
For initiating International Plain Language Day, two plain language experts are credited. In the early 1990s, Cheryl Stephens and Kate Harrison Whiteside pioneered the international plain language network. They held their first International Plain Language Day on October 13, 2011, the first International Plain Language Day in the United States, which was introduced in 2010.
