Editing Plain language (section)

==Definition==

Most [[literacy]] and [[communication]]s scholars agree that plain language means:
* "Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it" ([[Plainlanguage.gov]])
* "Clear and effective communication." ([[Joseph Kimble]])
* "The idiomatic and grammatical use of language that most effectively presents ideas to the reader." ([[Bryan Garner]])
* "Clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted construction. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of ... language." (Dr [[Robert Eagleson]])
* "A literary style that is easy-to-read because it matches the reading skill of the audience." ([[William DuBay]])
* "Language that is ''clear, concise'' and ''correct."'' ([[Richard Wydick]])
* "Language that allows readers to make an informed decision about the content because it considers their literacy levels, cognitive abilities, contexts, wants, needs, attitudes and challenges." ([[Candice Burt]])

Plain language focuses on ways of writing a text so that it is clear, concise, pertinent, efficient, and flows well for the reader.<ref>About Plain Language. (n.d.). Plain Language Association International. Retrieved from : http://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org/About_Plain_Language/aboutplainlanguage.html.</ref>  The Center for Plain Language states that: "[a] document, web site or other information is in plain language if the target audience can read it, understand what they read, and confidently act on it".<ref name="centerforplainlanguage.org">Write better. (2014). Center for plain language. Retrieved from : http://centerforplainlanguage.org/5-steps-to-plain-language/</ref>  Writing in plain language does not mean oversimplifying the concepts, but presenting the information in a way that makes it easier to understand and use by a wider audience.<ref name="btb.termiumplus.gc.ca">Public Works and Government Services Canada. (2014). 13 Plain Language. The Canadian Style. Retrieved from : http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tcdnstyl-chap?lang=eng&lettr=chapsect13&info0=13; and About Plain Language. (n.d.). Plain Language Association International. Retrieved from : http://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org/About_Plain_Language/aboutplainlanguage.html</ref>  Texts written in plain language are still formal, but are easier to read and inspire confidence for the reader.<ref>Public Works and Government Services Canada. (2014). 13 Plain Language. The Canadian Style. Retrieved from : http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tcdnstyl-chap?lang=eng&lettr=chapsect13&info0=13; and Write better. (2014). Center for plain language. Retrieved from : http://centerforplainlanguage.org/5-steps-to-plain-language/</ref>

Using plain language in communications ultimately improves efficiency, because there is less ambiguity for the readers, and less time is taken for clarifications and explanations.<ref name="plainlanguagenetwork.org">About Plain Language. (n.d.). Plain Language Association International. Retrieved from : http://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org/About_Plain_Language/aboutplainlanguage.html</ref>  Clear communication improves the user's experience with the organization, ultimately creating trust in the company.<ref>About Plain Language. (n.d.). Plain Language Association International. Retrieved from : http://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org/About_Plain_Language/aboutplainlanguage.html; and Write better. (2014). Center for plain language. Retrieved from : http://centerforplainlanguage.org/5-steps-to-plain-language/</ref>