What is the plain English movement?

The plain English movement is the name given to the first effective effort to change this and to write legal documents, particularly those used by consumers, in a manner that can be understood, not just by the legal technicians who draft them, but by the consumers who are bound by their terms.

When did the plain English movement start?

1983
In 1983 the Australian Government itself launched the Plain English and Simpler Forms Program in order to simplify a dizzying array of public service documents using the model imported from Britain.

What are the principles of plain English?

Top 10 Principles for Plain Language

Write for your reader, not yourself.
Use pronouns when you can.
State your major point(s) first before going into details.
Stick to your topic.
Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short.
Write in active voice.
Use short sentences as much as possible.
Use everyday words.

Why did the movement of plain English in legal writing start?

The premise behind the plain English movement is that legal documents ought to be plainer–and more comprehensible–to the average person. It’s probably fair to say that the modern movement began in the 1970s. But people have objected to the obscurity of lawyer’s language for many centuries.

What is plain writing movement?

Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. Plain language strives to be easy to read, understand, and use. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon.

What is the history of plain language?

In the United States, the movement towards plain language legal writing began with the 1963 book Language of the Law, by David Mellinkoff. However, the movement was popularized by Richard Wydick’s 1979 book Plain English for Lawyers. By 1991, eight states had also passed legislation related to plain language.

What is the origin of layman’s terms?

Etymology. The term derives from the 16th-century idiom “in plain English”, meaning “in clear, straightforward language”. Another name for the term, layman’s terms, is derived from the idiom “in layman’s terms” which refers to language phrased simply enough that a layperson, or common person, can understand.

What is the aim of plain?

PLAIN is the acronym for the Plain Language Association International, and its aim is to encourage the use of ordinary language in government documents. Government documents written using the values of PLAIN will be easy to read, understand, and use by the average American.

What is the function of plain language?

Why does plain language matter?

Plain language can make online information easier for search engines to find and easier for readers to quickly scan on screens. Government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, educators, and many others can use plain language to communicate effectively.

Why is plain English important?

Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Readers call less often for explanations. They make fewer errors filling out forms.

What is the plain language movement?

Plain Language Movement. The Plain Language Movement is an effort to eliminate unnecessarily complex language from academia, government, law, and business.

What is plain English campaign?

The Plain English Campaign ( PEC) is a commercial editing and training firm based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1979 by Chrissie Maher, the company is a world leader in plain-language advocacy, working to persuade organisations in the UK and abroad to communicate with the public in plain language. Maher was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1994 for her services to plain communication.