This document discusses the importance and benefits of using plain language in professional communication. It begins by defining plain language as language that is clearly and simply expressed without unnecessary technical terms. The document then argues that plain language should be used by professionals like lawyers, managers, and leaders when communicating with clients and other audiences. Plain language ensures clarity, saves time, reduces costs, and helps non-experts easily understand complex information. It provides examples of how traditional legal and business language can be simplified. Overall, the document advocates for using plain, clear language in professional writing and communication.
This is a brief by Maria M. Brau and Rachel L. Brooks and the FBI but I found it extremely beneficial in understanding the ILR scale and DoD relationship. It also points out the challenges of trying to quantify something rather qualitative in nature--language!
This is a brief by Maria M. Brau and Rachel L. Brooks and the FBI but I found it extremely beneficial in understanding the ILR scale and DoD relationship. It also points out the challenges of trying to quantify something rather qualitative in nature--language!
The Simple Life: Using Plain and Controlled Language to Improve Translation Q...Erin Lyons
The Plain Language Movement, aimed at promoting straightforward writing that focuses on the message rather than the complications of inflated language and complex sentence structure, has become increasingly prevalent, having trickled down from the government level to the legal, medical, and business sectors. This presentation will explore how this affects translations, particularly when interlinguistic register and usage differ. Writing techniques, readability scores, linguistic obstacles, and specific tools and glossaries will be covered. Before and after texts will be dissected to illustrate how to effectively apply the principles of plain language to improve the quality, consistency, and leveragability of translations.
المجلد: 2 ، العدد: 3 ، مجلة الأهواز لدراسات علم اللغة
مجلة الأهواز لدراسات علم اللغة
(مجلة فصلية دولية محكمة)
(ISSN: 2717-2716)
لمزید من المعلومات، ﯾرﺟﯽ زﯾﺎرة ﻣوﻗﻌﻧﺎ اﻹﻟﮐﺗروﻧﻲ : WWW.AJLS.IR
ترحب المجلة بجميع الباحثين في مجال اهتمامها العلمي والبحثي في احد المحاور المذکورة أدﻧﺎه بإحدی اللغات التالیة: العربیة، الإنجلیزیة و الفارسیة:
أ) اللغات و اللهجات (القضايا الراهنة بلسانیات اللغة)
ب) علم اللغة (القضايا الراهنة بعلم اللغة)
ج) الأدب (القضاية الراهنة بالأدب العربي، الإنجليزي، و سائر اللغات)
د) الترجمة (القضاية الراهنة بترجمة اللغات)
ه) القضايا الراهنة بلسانیات القرآن الکریم
و) القضايا الراهنة لتعلیم اللغات لغير الناطقين بها
ز) تعليم، برمجة و تقييم برامج تعليم و تعلم اللغات
ح) الاستراتيجيات، إمكانیات و تحديات التسويق وريادة الأعمال فی اللغات المتنوعة
ط) القضايا الراهنة بلسانیات النصوص و الخطاب الديني، الاقتصادی، الاجتماعي، القانوني، و ...
الأهواز / الصندوق البريدی 61335-4619:
الهاتف :32931199-61 (98+)
الفاکس:32931198-61(98+)
النقال و رقم للتواصل علی الواتس اب : 9165088772(98+)
البريد اﻹﻟﮑﺘﺮوﻧﻲ: info@pahi.ir
100 Common Business English Vocabularies And Their Usages. My purpose in this report is to be able to apply the knowledge and usages to common Business English vocabularies and their usages. And more importantly, By listing more than 100 business English words, the planning report performs an analysis of the use cases of these words in a business environment, helping learners to know how to use English vocabulary. In fact, when going to work and interacting with the business world, one must know that the communication relationship in this field is completely different from the normal life environment and other fields.
The Simple Life: Using Plain and Controlled Language to Improve Translation Q...Erin Lyons
The Plain Language Movement, aimed at promoting straightforward writing that focuses on the message rather than the complications of inflated language and complex sentence structure, has become increasingly prevalent, having trickled down from the government level to the legal, medical, and business sectors. This presentation will explore how this affects translations, particularly when interlinguistic register and usage differ. Writing techniques, readability scores, linguistic obstacles, and specific tools and glossaries will be covered. Before and after texts will be dissected to illustrate how to effectively apply the principles of plain language to improve the quality, consistency, and leveragability of translations.
المجلد: 2 ، العدد: 3 ، مجلة الأهواز لدراسات علم اللغة
مجلة الأهواز لدراسات علم اللغة
(مجلة فصلية دولية محكمة)
(ISSN: 2717-2716)
لمزید من المعلومات، ﯾرﺟﯽ زﯾﺎرة ﻣوﻗﻌﻧﺎ اﻹﻟﮐﺗروﻧﻲ : WWW.AJLS.IR
ترحب المجلة بجميع الباحثين في مجال اهتمامها العلمي والبحثي في احد المحاور المذکورة أدﻧﺎه بإحدی اللغات التالیة: العربیة، الإنجلیزیة و الفارسیة:
أ) اللغات و اللهجات (القضايا الراهنة بلسانیات اللغة)
ب) علم اللغة (القضايا الراهنة بعلم اللغة)
ج) الأدب (القضاية الراهنة بالأدب العربي، الإنجليزي، و سائر اللغات)
د) الترجمة (القضاية الراهنة بترجمة اللغات)
ه) القضايا الراهنة بلسانیات القرآن الکریم
و) القضايا الراهنة لتعلیم اللغات لغير الناطقين بها
ز) تعليم، برمجة و تقييم برامج تعليم و تعلم اللغات
ح) الاستراتيجيات، إمكانیات و تحديات التسويق وريادة الأعمال فی اللغات المتنوعة
ط) القضايا الراهنة بلسانیات النصوص و الخطاب الديني، الاقتصادی، الاجتماعي، القانوني، و ...
الأهواز / الصندوق البريدی 61335-4619:
الهاتف :32931199-61 (98+)
الفاکس:32931198-61(98+)
النقال و رقم للتواصل علی الواتس اب : 9165088772(98+)
البريد اﻹﻟﮑﺘﺮوﻧﻲ: info@pahi.ir
100 Common Business English Vocabularies And Their Usages. My purpose in this report is to be able to apply the knowledge and usages to common Business English vocabularies and their usages. And more importantly, By listing more than 100 business English words, the planning report performs an analysis of the use cases of these words in a business environment, helping learners to know how to use English vocabulary. In fact, when going to work and interacting with the business world, one must know that the communication relationship in this field is completely different from the normal life environment and other fields.
"What are language features?" is a question that practically every writer has encountered. Language has literary devices for language evaluation. It's simpler for you to understand what the author is saying thanks to language features. To make his point, the writer frequently uses a range of language techniques. The authors also use stylistic strategies like word choice, tone, grammatical constructions, and twists of phrase. The list of linguistic characteristics will now be discussed with you by our experts at Best Assignment Expert.
A language translator is a specialist who has above average skills in communication, language comprehension, and writing. A good translator is part diplomat, part linguist, and part author.
Language is a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar, or the system of communication used by people in a particular country or type of work.[1]
It is a common knowledge that English is now the global language of business. Many multinational companies are mandating English as their common corporate language in an attempt to facilitate communication and performance across geographically diverse functions and business endeavors.[2]
[1] Cambridge Dictionary: Language.
[2] Tsedal Neeley, Global Business Speaks English, Harvard Business Review, May 2012 Issue.
Learning a language is both a need and fashion of the time. It could be tedious as well as interesting depending on the learner, teacher and the pedagogy involved. Word puzzles and language games have become popular among the students and even adults. There are innumerable types of word puzzles and language games that give fun and learning with the side effect of logical thinking applied to language, decoding techniques and maintaining patience. English language being the most used language in the world and also second language for the most population of the world has a unique set of vocabulary and grammatical rules. These words and spelling rules as well as grammatical structure has made English more popular as it has done away with simplicity. Many words and pronunciation in English have not set rules or logical order and so does English grammar and hence understanding and dealing with problems of vocabulary and grammar puzzles are excellent tools and very amusing as well. The article deals with how puzzles and games can contribute in learning and how English teachers and students can use puzzles and games and an effective tool of learning.
Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship be it personal or professional or even a temporary transaction among individuals. People communicate every second consciously or sub-consciously and there are people who want to improve their communication and make it more and more effective with experiments, practice and variety of tools. The techniques and tools of communication however vary from person to person, situation to situation and medium of communication. What is good in oral communication or rhetoric may not be so effective in written communication or vice versa. Some of the tools or techniques of communication have been used effectively be many successful people, orators and writers. These tools range from use of rhetoric, intonation, storytelling, poetry or couplet recitation, reciting shlokas or aayats from religious scriptures, figures of speech like similes, metaphors, pun etc. This research article strives to answer questions like which tools are more effective? Which tools can be used as per situation? How can they make communication more effective? Can all the tools be used simultaneously? How should they be used judiciously? What is the effectiveness parameter as per the medium of communication? How does medium of communication encourage or discourage use of particular tool or technique? How can a communicator inculcate the habit of using tools and techniques for more effective communication?
Literature and law are separate branches of social science, yet they share tremendous proximity and commonness in many aspects. The most striking is ‘uniting all humans as equal’. In the eyes of law all are equal so is the case in literature. Literature is the only place where humans are treated as humans, not with their caste, creed and status. Literature, be it in any language, draws us to the universal principles of human emotions, psychology, human predicament, the aspirations, fears and so on and so forth of human beings. In literature there is a universal approach to human beings. It is where all are equal, dealt equally like humans with its myriad dimensions. A king like Lear is shown as weak and vulnerable, mighty man like Julius Caesar is defeated, simpletons like old Santiago becomes heroes.
Literature and law are separate branches of social science, yet they share tremendous proximity and commonness in many aspects. The most striking is ‘uniting all humans as equal’. In the eyes of law all are equal so is the case in literature. Literature is the only place where humans are treated as humans, not with their caste, creed and status. Literature, be it in any language, draws us to the universal principles of human emotions, psychology, human predicament, the aspirations, fears and so on and so forth of human beings. In literature there is a universal approach to human beings. It is where all are equal, dealt equally like humans with its myriad dimensions. A king like Lear is shown as weak and vulnerable, mighty man like Julius Caesar is defeated, simpletons like old Santiago becomes heroes.
Epic poetry is an ancient genre of literature, perhaps one of the oldest. Epics narrate the stories of great people and superhuman characters including Gods. The story always depicts the mammoth deeds of great kings, help from the Gods, intrigues, fight of ideas and morals and invincible warriors and their feats. Epics have many characters including the divine deities or Gods, intricate plots with many sub plots and incidents, rhetorical elements appealing to the morals and morality of people in all generations and inspiration for humanity. There are many common aspects in the epics, though they were written in different parts of the world and at different times. There are also certain contrasting or opposite things seen in them which also give conflicting ideas of cultures and raise questions to the rational mind. There is an endeavour to compare and contrast two of the famous epics: Iliad as a representative of Western culture and Ramayana as a representative of Indian culture and tradition. There are many common elements and a few contrasting elements which are highlighted without bias and judgement.
The 21st Century business scenario is dynamic and many global challenges are coming up in terms of ethics, competition, profit mongering, greed, sustainability etc. Tata Group is known not only in India but globally for certain business practices. It is one of the oldest and the largest groups in the world. The legendary Chairman of Tata Group JRD Tata who headed the group for more than fifty years is highly venerated for his work, vision and success in developing business and governmental organizations. Mahatma Gandhi was a tremendous influence to many who became great leaders in various fields. Gandhi’s influence on JRD is lesser known though the influence was not complete as there were already certain traits imbibed in the group. There were many common traits between Gandhi and JRD apart from the lifestyle and work. What Gandhi philosophized about nation building and societal changes, JRD tried to bring it about through business. JRD himself acknowledged the influence of Gandhi on him and how meeting with motivated him as the young business leader.
“The Godfather” a very famous fiction work by Mario Puzo is an excellent tool of learning for the students of management, management processionals and even leaders and managers from variety of perspective, especially the HR and managerial communication. Intent reading of the novel also gives one an idea that primarily it is not a novel of crime, justice, character and a thriller; it is an in-depth study on human mind and psyche. It is a great work on the communication patterns of individuals in variety of situations and while dealing with variety of people. It goes beyond the conventional aspects of communication of speaking, listening etc.
The novel has emphasized the importance of serious communication and seriousness in communication, be it with anyone.
The research paper strives to throw light on the various aspects of communication in day to day professional life, the intricacies involved in serious communication and what aspects a professional can learn about communication from “The Godfather”.
“The Alchemist” a famous work of Paulo Coelho became very famous for its wisdom, imagery and ‘the universal language’ of comprehending beyond the apparent. It inspires to be observant, to be observant and to comprehend and perceive what has not been conveyed consciously or deliberately.
Leaders or would be leaders have to comprehend and perceive this communication and look ahead of the road. One who can grasp the untold word, the invisible symbol or sign or reading of ‘the universal language or omen’ as per the novel, has the potential to lead people, lead vision and change the course of history.
Sustainable Development has become the catchword of the 21st century in every walks ranging from commerce, politics, policies and framing of law. Today, whatever is not sustainable or does not sustain the other aspects of the sphere like ecology, humanism, morals etc. is eschewed and not accepted. As the advancement in technology is going ahead and population of the world is going north, sustainable development has become a rage as well as the biggest challenge as whatever we have inherited and the prevailing goodness around has to be sustained for the posterity.
One of the greatest exponents of all round sustainable development, without naming the term, was Mahtama Gandhi. Gandhiji talked about all round sustainable development which is applicable in each and every aspect be it environment, personal physical, mental and spiritual health, politics, economics and law and justice. Perhaps, there is no greater exponent and intricate visionary of sustainable development for the human race than Gandhi.
His books ‘Hind Swaraj’, ‘My Non-Violence’, ‘Story of My Experiments with Truth’, ‘Law and Lawyer’ etc. discuss at length various aspects of sustainable development for an individual, industry, nation and humanity as a whole without the nomenclature.
In this research article, we will primarily touch sustainable development as discussed in ‘Hind Swaraj’ but will also touch some of the relevant points from his other books to find out what points expounded by Gandhiji are universally relevant for sustainable development and why.
Gandhi, a leader and politician, a deep spiritualist and die-hard realist, a lawyer and jurist, a social reformer and law breaker, an experimenter and enigma, an economist and educationist, a writer and communicator; we may add many attributes and wonder if all or none fit him. There was one role of a communicator or writer that never changed with Gandhi whenever he donned different hats of the above mentioned roles. ] If we want to see Gandhi from two sides they are as simple as the man himself: action and communication and communication and action. Today the world knows about him, his thoughts and his actions and experiments because of his writings and writings on him. There are also some videos available as it was rare then.
He was an enormous communicator and his communication ranged from individual to mass communication, from speeches to discussions, from writing to body language and from symbols to silence. This communication made him reach out to the rich and the poor, to the metros and hamlets, to the illiterate and the celebrities and intellectuals. The enormity of the reach of his communication and the penetration cannot be fathomed easily. In this article there is humble try to analyse Gandhi’s communication style and manner, the impact of his communication and what lessons can be gained from his method of communication.
Literature a pedagogical tool for HR Management and Learning & DevelopmentDr. Harmik Vaishnav
Human Resources Management and Literature, both as disciplines of study, have a lot of proximity in terms of philosophy, dealing with humans and human predicament, character and personality, product quality that can stand the test of time, universality of certain principles etc. management and Literature both deal with case [story] study form in education as well as tackling a situation. HR Management adopts certain things like stories, quotes, language skills, narration and description techniques in training, performance management, branding, etc. to be more effective and Literature can take corporate life and management challenges as raw material for its creation.
Liberal studies is the speedily moving and widely accepted model of education today. Liberal Studies is not about being liberal about studies or assignment or attendance or exam. The institute may provide flexibility but it is about liberating the mind, knowledge, wisdom, thinking and creativity. In other words, making mind, knowledge and creativity shackle free and not limiting education or a course only to a specific topic or educating self for a particular profession only and nothing out of it. Liberal studies has endeavoured to break the water tight compartment of education, especially university degree education which limited a student in terms of knowledge but also in following a profession and understanding other aspects of the world. Liberal studies focuses on skills, human life, critical thinking and creativity and thus broadens the choice of profession and occupation a person can take with a better understanding of self and world. Mahatma Gandhi the spiritual leader of India developed and practiced a philosophy of education called ‘Nai Talim’ [translated as new training or learning] which focused on all round development of humans like various skills, knowledge, arts, wisdom and above all morality and making them responsible citizens. This system has been in practice in various institutes successfully even in the 21st Century.
Integrity in leadership builds trust by ensuring consistency between words an...Ram V Chary
Integrity in leadership builds trust by ensuring consistency between words and actions, making leaders reliable and credible. It also ensures ethical decision-making, which fosters a positive organizational culture and promotes long-term success. #RamVChary
Senior Project and Engineering Leader Jim Smith.pdfJim Smith
I am a Project and Engineering Leader with extensive experience as a Business Operations Leader, Technical Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Operations Experience for Domestic and International companies such as Electrolux, Carrier, and Deutz. I have developed new products using Stage Gate development/MS Project/JIRA, for the pro-duction of Medical Equipment, Large Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Appliances, HVAC, and Diesel engines.
My experience includes:
Managed customized engineered refrigeration system projects with high voltage power panels from quote to ship, coordinating actions between electrical engineering, mechanical design and application engineering, purchasing, production, test, quality assurance and field installation. Managed projects $25k to $1M per project; 4-8 per month. (Hussmann refrigeration)
Successfully developed the $15-20M yearly corporate capital strategy for manufacturing, with the Executive Team and key stakeholders. Created project scope and specifications, business case, ROI, managed project plans with key personnel for nine consumer product manufacturing and distribution sites; to support the company’s strategic sales plan.
Over 15 years of experience managing and developing cost improvement projects with key Stakeholders, site Manufacturing Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Maintenance, and facility support personnel to optimize pro-duction operations, safety, EHS, and new product development. (BioLab, Deutz, Caire)
Experience working as a Technical Manager developing new products with chemical engineers and packaging engineers to enhance and reduce the cost of retail products. I have led the activities of multiple engineering groups with diverse backgrounds.
Great experience managing the product development of products which utilize complex electrical controls, high voltage power panels, product testing, and commissioning.
Created project scope, business case, ROI for multiple capital projects to support electrotechnical assembly and CPG goods. Identified project cost, risk, success criteria, and performed equipment qualifications. (Carrier, Electrolux, Biolab, Price, Hussmann)
Created detailed projects plans using MS Project, Gant charts in excel, and updated new product development in Jira for stakeholders and project team members including critical path.
Great knowledge of ISO9001, NFPA, OSHA regulations.
User level knowledge of MRP/SAP, MS Project, Powerpoint, Visio, Mastercontrol, JIRA, Power BI and Tableau.
I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to discussing this role with you, and how I can lead your company’s growth and profitability. I can be contacted via LinkedIn via phone or E Mail.
Jim Smith
678-993-7195
jimsmith30024@gmail.com
Specific ServPoints should be tailored for restaurants in all food service segments. Your ServPoints should be the centerpiece of brand delivery training (guest service) and align with your brand position and marketing initiatives, especially in high-labor-cost conditions.
408-784-7371
Foodservice Consulting + Design
A presentation on mastering key management concepts across projects, products, programs, and portfolios. Whether you're an aspiring manager or looking to enhance your skills, this session will provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in various management roles. Learn about the distinct lifecycles, methodologies, and essential skillsets needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.
Public Speaking Tips to Help You Be A Strong Leader.pdfPinta Partners
In the realm of effective leadership, a multitude of skills come into play, but one stands out as both crucial and challenging: public speaking.
Public speaking transcends mere eloquence; it serves as the medium through which leaders articulate their vision, inspire action, and foster engagement. For leaders, refining public speaking skills is essential, elevating their ability to influence, persuade, and lead with resolute conviction. Here are some key tips to consider: https://joellandau.com/the-public-speaking-tips-to-help-you-be-a-stronger-leader/
Employment PracticesRegulation and Multinational CorporationsRoopaTemkar
Employment PracticesRegulation and Multinational Corporations
Strategic decision making within MNCs constrained or determined by the implementation of laws and codes of practice and by pressure from political actors. Managers in MNCs have to make choices that are shaped by gvmt. intervention and the local economy.
Comparing Stability and Sustainability in Agile SystemsRob Healy
Copy of the presentation given at XP2024 based on a research paper.
In this paper we explain wat overwork is and the physical and mental health risks associated with it.
We then explore how overwork relates to system stability and inventory.
Finally there is a call to action for Team Leads / Scrum Masters / Managers to measure and monitor excess work for individual teams.
Org Design is a core skill to be mastered by management for any successful org change.
Org Topologies™ in its essence is a two-dimensional space with 16 distinctive boxes - atomic organizational archetypes. That space helps you to plot your current operating model by positioning individuals, departments, and teams on the map. This will give a profound understanding of the performance of your value-creating organizational ecosystem.
Enriching engagement with ethical review processesstrikingabalance
New ethics review processes at the University of Bath. Presented at the 8th World Conference on Research Integrity by Filipa Vance, Head of Research Governance and Compliance at the University of Bath. June 2024, Athens
The case study discusses the potential of drone delivery and the challenges that need to be addressed before it becomes widespread.
Key takeaways:
Drone delivery is in its early stages: Amazon's trial in the UK demonstrates the potential for faster deliveries, but it's still limited by regulations and technology.
Regulations are a major hurdle: Safety concerns around drone collisions with airplanes and people have led to restrictions on flight height and location.
Other challenges exist: Who will use drone delivery the most? Is it cost-effective compared to traditional delivery trucks?
Discussion questions:
Managerial challenges: Integrating drones requires planning for new infrastructure, training staff, and navigating regulations. There are also marketing and recruitment considerations specific to this technology.
External forces vary by country: Regulations, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure all differ between countries.
Demographics matter: Younger generations might be more receptive to drone delivery, while older populations might have concerns.
Stakeholders for Amazon: Customers, regulators, aviation authorities, and competitors are all stakeholders. Regulators likely hold the greatest influence as they determine the feasibility of drone delivery.
1. PLAIN LANGUAGE FOR PROFESSIONAL PRUDENCE
Dr.HarmikVaishnav
School of Liberal Studies
Pandit DeenDayal Petroleum University –[PDPU]
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
“Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of
genius-and a lot of courage-to move in the opposite direction.” -Albert Einstein
INTRODUCTION
Language is considered as the most potent weapon of a lawyer, manager and leader
after his/ her domain knowledge or maybe with the respective domain knowledge. It is
the language that is useful when he/she wants to manifest erudition, practice rhetoric or
deliver a speech, insert obscurity in the minds of opponents, drive home a point,
negotiate the terms, make a bargain or appeal to the stakeholders. There is a little
he/she can do with the prevalent law, procedures, products and markets or precedents
already set but he/she can employ language skills. Language is certainly the most
important weapon or tool, depending on the manner it is used and the motive. It is the
language that puts the points effectively, narrates impeccably, gives a smooth flow to
the incidents or ideas and arguments, sharpens the manifestation of logic and
negotiation skills and displays the technical qualities of products.
The contemporary trend of Globalization in the field of business, technology,
international relations, and cross-cultural interaction experiences the use of language
more and more, especially the English Language. The language in the contemporary
world, like internet, has become a medium to bring the people from various cultures and
geographical areas to a level of common understanding, empathy and intellect. When
language skill is very important for a professional dealing with people and situations,
there are challenges about what type of language to be used. Lawyers use the legalese
and traditional language, leaders also employ sonorous rhetorical language and
managers too use jargon based language. This language may not appeal to the reader
or listener. When we are in the world of “user-friendly” things, we need to employ the
language that is also user-friendly. A lawyer will not always write for a lawyer or a
leader’s rhetoric may not be for the philosophers and poets and the manager does not
always write to fellow managers. The end user of the language must be able to
understand it. “He that will write in any tongue must follow this counsel of Aristotle, to
speak as the common people do, to think as wise men do; so should every man
understand him, and the judgement of wise men allows him.” [1] If a lay person can
understand the document with one reading, language has done its job well by hitting
the bull’s eye.
2. When we talk about various other mediums of communication, plain language is
already quite popular. In the field of business, advertising is one of the key mediums of
communication and reaching to the customers. Advertisements, from clips in
newspaper to TV ads, are created using catchy captions and plain language. Even
these catchy captions are in clear plain language so that the reader or listener
remembers it and understands instantly. Business negotiation or business meetings
become successful because of the use of plain language in verbal communication.
Facts and plain ideas in negotiation can be put forth only in plain language. And general
instructions, sharing of knowledge and ideas and feedback in meetings are all in plain
language. Imagine a negotiation table or a meeting room where pompous and verbose
language is used. There will never be any business; agreement is far-fetched with such
talk. It would look like a dramatic enactment of a Greek Classic but certainly business
doing firms.
The challenge and pertinence of using plain language is more so with the written
document where the drafter has enough time to deliberate upon, construct and re-
construct sentences. Moreover, there is always the influence of the tradition in drafting.
Traditional drafting style is more comfortable, it may not be always easy or clear, but
since one has grown with it, it comes naturally. The phrases and jargons are already in
the mind ready to be put on paper.
DISCUSSION
English is the most widely used language of communication but the concept of Plain
Language is applicable to any language of the world. We will limit the scope of
discussion on plain language here with the examples of English. It is a foregone
conclusion that the language of drafting official and legal documents is not for common
man to understand or write. This is more pertinent in the countries where English is
used as a second language and yet the only language of the courts; like India. This
language used in courts, board-rooms etc. is construed not as English but a hybrid form
of elite English that not even the English educated people can understand. This
language is again embellished with myriad of Latin legal maxims, management and
technical jargons, financial verbosity and philosophical loquaciousness. The language
is also structured with long intertwining sentences and clauses for which a single
reading is not enough to understand even with your good knowledge of English
language.
The expertise of any professional is the respective domain knowledge and technical
nitty-gritty, the procedural aspects and study of various cases. He/she employs this
education and experience accompanied with language for his clients and public at
large. A professional has to understand the complicated aspects of his/her domain and
transform it into simplified version for lay person. “Be short, be simple, be human.” [2]
This is possible only if he/she uses understandable-plain language and shuns the
temptation of being pedantic. There has been a lot of demand and talk of necessity
about the use of plain language for communication, especially drafting. Experts and
users from parliaments to court rooms, from board-rooms to company showrooms insist
3. on use of plain language which is free from the traditional and jargon based language
hitherto in vogue among the elite experts of various professions.
What is Plain Language? There may be different definitions and views about plain
language and there are innumerable examples showing what a plain language is.
Oxford Advance Dictionary defines plain language as ‘simply and clearly expressed
without using technical language’. “Plain language writing is just the practice of writing
English [or any language] in a clear and simple style.” [3] The definition of plain
language itself is plain and simple. Many experts have defined it in different words with
the same connotation like Dr Robert Eagleson, “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” and Richard Wydick defining as, “Language that is clear,
concise and correct”.
Plain language does not mean colloquial or baby-talk. The characteristics of plain
language are:
clarity and brevity
precision,
apt use of words,
no superfluous words or jargons,
familiar, concrete words
reasonable length of sentence- 18 to 20 words per sentence in average
one thought per sentence
avoidance of doublets and pomposity
use of verbs instead of nouns
use of verbs to describe activities and process
use of active voice instead of passive
to produce full legal, official and professional effect
avoid abuse of language found in traditional precedents
to avoid confusion of thought and expression found in some traditional
precedents
make documents shorter and save time and money for professional
logical order of document
sensible use of punctuation
4. https://www.google.co.in/search?q=plain+language&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms
&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjrqdSVwcjRAhXMsI8KHUPTD3kQ_AUIBygC#i
mgrc=GcCjESehmAkEeM%3A
However, this list is general and not exhaustive. It may vary from context to context. Let
us take the comparison of active and passive voice. The active is more direct and
driving home the point. The passive is less direct and the syntax can be confusing. “The
passive voice can obscure who is to do something, causing the drafter to overlook
important matters.” [4]“ On occasions the passive is convenient-for example, where the
doer of an act is intentionally left unstated.” [5]. It depends on the discretion of the
drafter or speaker and only use of active or passive voice or use of nouns over verbs is
not the hallmark of plain language. Plain language is about clarity and precision. The
nature of plain language has above mentioned characteristics but not limited to them
only. It is also a wrong assumption that only a communicator with limited knowledge of
language and vocabulary uses plain language, on the contrary, one needs better
language and richer vocabulary to apply the discretion of its use. The same wisdom
applies in any field; a person with tremendous knowledge only can make things simpler.
The purpose of any language is to enable the sender to deliver the message clearly
and to the point and the receiver to understand fully the intended meaning. “Plain
language is not artificially complicated, but is clear and effective for its intended
audience. While it shuns the antiquated and inflated words and phrases, which can
readily be either omitted altogether or replaced with a more useful substitute. It does
not seek to rid documents of terms which express important distinctions. Nonetheless,
plain language documents offer non-expert readers some assistance in coping with
these technical terms. To a far larger extent, plain language is concerned with matters
of sentence and paragraph structure, with organization and design, where so many of
the hindrances to clear expression originate.” [6]
Many experts from various fields ranging from law, technology and science,
management and education still ponder and argue about the use of plain language in
their documents, reports etc. They have also shown their reluctance in its use. It is
perhaps a psychological lacuna that one shows the expertise and scholarship just by
using technical jargons, verbosity and freely quoting legends from respective fields. The
question comes, is scholarship or expertise in using jargons or understanding the
technicality behind them? Is expertise in technical verbosity or translating your technical
know-how to non-technical people in simple manner? To put it with examples, a
lawyer’s expertise is not in use of technical language but understanding the law and the
procedure, the manager’s expertise is not in management jargons but the concepts
behind them and putting the concepts into day to day management and the
technocrat’s expertise is in making gadgets which can be easily operated and user-
manuals which can be easily understood. “If investors are promised information and
they don’t get it in a form they can understand, they are being cheated.” [7]
When the contemporary world has defied geographical detachment and cultural
barriers for the sake of business, science and inter-mingling of people, language has to
5. bring them to a level intellectually and emotionally rather than separating them. The
modern world uses language to communicate faster and effectively. There is no
ownership or even rigidity in use of spellings and grammatical syntax is receding. Plain
language first of all gives clarity and precision to the technical person before drafting or
preparing a document. Step by step clear drafting of points will enable the writer to
ensure that nothing has been missed technically and clarity restored in his/her mind.
“The results are substantive; not merely cosmetic: improving the quality of writing
actually improves the quality of thoughts.” [8] A long document drafted in plain language
saves lot of time and hassles for the writer and reader. The receiver or reader will have
minimum queries and doubts because he/she can understand with one reading and will
trust instantly. Imagine a lawyer or manager sending a long document to his/her client
which is verbose. The client will keep coming for queries and there will always be doubt
lurking in the client’s mind. But if the document is simple and clear, a client who has not
studied law or who is just a purchase officer without technical knowledge will be easily
understand and accept. “A 2009 survey in Ireland showed that 89% of the people
surveyed would prefer banks to use plain English, and 20% say they would switch
financial institutions if they provided their information in a more user-friendly manner.”
[9] Time is saved in to and fro of queries.
Drafting in plain language also saves stationery. A document that normally takes 5
pages can be ready in 3 pages thus giving one more dimension of saving. The twin
effect of saving- time and stationery will help any organization to invest their energy to
more productive resources rather than drafting long documents, answering to
innumerable and repetitive queries and printing too many documents. Though it may
seem magical that how use of plain language can save time, cost but as the maxim
goes, small drops fill the ocean, and it is true and tested. “The Victorian Attorney-
General’s Department said it had saved over $400,000 a year in staff time after
rewriting and redesigning just one court form.” [10] After the UK government adopted a
plain English policy for government forms in 1982, various government departments
rewrote, redesigned and eliminated many thousands of forms. They estimated that they
saved millions of pounds as a direct result and that in 1984-85 alone they saved 4
million. USA also has a Plain Language Act. The law requires that federal agencies use
"clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." A 2006
comparative study of plain language court forms concluded that "plain language court
forms and instructions are better understood, easier to use, and more economical" [11].
The European Union too moved towards the use of Plain Language. In Germany there
is a dictionary of Plain Language and France the Constitutional Council ensured clarity
and intelligibility of their law through the use of Plain Language. If a lawyer or manager
can save up to 20% of his/her time and stationery, it will be substantial saving for the
entire firm. This can be saved through reduced time in drafting, reduction in queries and
less time in explanation and negotiation. The saved time can be used productively
elsewhere.
The innumerable advantages of plain language are beyond debate as it is the need of
contemporary times and the layman. The government machineries, banks and
industries have started practising it. The use of plain language is also quite simple. But
many a times for a seasoned drafter who has the experience of drafting in traditional
6. language, it seems daunting and simplification makes him/her uneasy. The drafter feels
as if clutch has been removed from his driving equation.
Plain language use deals with a few fundamentals of written communication. A drafter
has to keep them in mind while producing a document and while proof-reading. First of
all one has to be clear about the audience. The audience may be a non-technical
person or having education of some other domain. Plain language is also equally
effective if you are addressing audience with technical knowledge. One need not focus
on the verbosity but the technical aspect of the communication even while dealing with
people from the same domain. A judge may appreciate and comprehend a plea in plain
language from a lawyer or same may be with CEO’s document addressed to the board.
The target of plain language is not to cater to the non-technical audience but everyone.
Plain language focuses on clarity not technicality. “It does require that every effort be
made to make them intelligible to the widest possible audience.” [12]. The drafter also
then has to be clear about the purpose of the document. Is it meant for advertising? Is it
to get a response? Is it meant to comply? Is it for further discussion? etc. The flow of
the language, use of words and the syntax of the sentences may vary from purpose to
purpose. The drafter must also heed the tone and formality that the document shows. In
verbal communication the tone comes naturally but when drafting official or legal
documents the tone has to be taken care of consciously. Again, the audience and the
purpose have connection with the tone of the document. Precision in language and
inserting the right tone will enable the reader to understand quickly and clearly. Let us
see the examples below:
Traditional/ verbose language Plain language
There are four different proposals I want
you to review before our next meeting.
Please review these four proposals
before our next meeting.
It is the responsibility of our Production
Department to see that it meets the
requirements of our Sales Division.
Our Production Department must meet
our Sales Division’s requirements. [12]
Clarity is perhaps the soul of plain language. The purpose of communication is to clarify
or satisfy. One sends message to clarify information, ideas etc. or satisfy urges,
curiosity and anxiety. In both the cases, plain language meets the requirement. The
traditional drafting, especially legal drafting, believes that the more the complicated the
case or the law, the more complicated the draft. Should it not be the other way round? If
there is more complication, the explanation ought to be simpler. Clarity is first born in
the mind of the communicator. One has to take certain precautions for imbibing clarity.
Clarity of concept, purpose, words to be used and sentences to be put and even the
structure of the entire document to be considered. Simple words and smaller sentences
will help the drafter to give clarity to the reader. The best practices for clarity is to re-
read and check what sense the sentence or paragraph makes. It would also be a good
idea to ask a person with non-technical background to read or a person with limited
knowledge of the language to read and see what sense it makes. If a lay person can
read and understand in single reading, it is good use of plain language.
Let us see the following examples:
7. Traditional/ verbose language Plain language
The Senate, having tried William
Jefferson Clinton, President of the United
States, upon two articles of impeachment
exhibited against him by the House of
Representative, and two-thirds of the
Senators present not having found him
guilty of the charges contained therein: it
is therefore, ordered and adjudged that
the said William Jefferson Clinton be,
and he is hereby, acquitted of the
charges in this said article.
After a trial on two articles of
impeachment against the President
William Jefferson Clinton, fewer that two-
thirds of the Senators present have found
him guilty. Therefore, it is ordered that he
is acquitted.
The Trustees may distribute funds
Provided that it has a surplus of funds
and provided that the beneficiaries are
over 21 and further provided that no
loans to beneficiaries are outstanding.
The Trustees may distribute funds if:
1. it has a surplus of funds; or
2. the beneficiaries are over 21; or
no loans to beneficiaries are outstanding.
[14]
The clarity of sentence construction is very important when it comes to language. There
should not be multiple clauses in a sentence, unnecessary use of phrases, repetition
and superfluous words must be curtailed. A good exercise is to break long complex
sentence with multiple clauses into smaller sentences. Smaller sentences are easier to
comprehend and step by step understanding takes place in the mind. When we talk
about language, punctuation plays an important role. In plain language the use of
punctuation is minimal. A long sentence with commas and colons must be avoided.
Plain language shuns the use of verbosity and pomposity of vocabulary and mixture of
tenses and clauses and many punctuation marks. A paragraph with many punctuation
marks does not show the language skills of the writer, it shows the opposite.
Traditional/ verbose language Plain language
High-quality learning environments are a
necessary precondition for facilitation
and enhancement of the ongoing
learning process.
Children need good schools if they are to
learn properly [15]
This temporary injunction remains in
effect against both parties until the final
decree of divorce or order of legal
separation is entered, the complaint is
dismissed, the parties reach agreement,
or until the court modifies or dissolves
this injunction. This injunction shall not
preclude either party from applying to the
court for further temporary orders, an
extended injunction or modification or
revocation of this temporary injunction.
You must follow this order until the court
changes or ends it, your case is finalized
or dismissed, or you and your spouse
make an agreement. Either spouse may
ask the court to change or cancel this
order, or to issue new orders. [16]
Citigroup today announced a series of
repositioning actions that will further
reduce expenses and improve efficiency
across the company while maintaining
Citigroup today announced lay-offs. This
will save cost. [17]
8. Citi's unique capabilities to serve clients,
especially in the emerging markets.
These actions will result in increased
business efficiency, streamlined
operations and an optimized consumer
footprint across geographies.
We must strive to warrant that simplicity
is rigorously sustained so as to facilitate
comprehension.
Keep it simple.
One has to be conscious of what to avoid while using plain language. Plain Language is
for everyone, we all want to communicate in a manner that is clear and avoids
confusion. Professionals who resort to plain language can explain their subject in better
way and can concentrate on the knowledge rather than using verbose language which
may impress the opposite person but not make him/her understand. Plain language is
also quite considerate as you don’t waste time in forming sentences with grandeur, you
solve problems easily. A very important aspect of Plain Language is its inherent trait of
being open and honest. Since it avoids circumlocution and verbosity, it tends to be
transparent and sincere be it expressing feelings, ideas or solving problems.
As we saw some the salient features of plain language, let us also examine what to
avoid while using plain language:
wordiness and redundancy
overuse of the modal verb ‘shall’
obscure language
unusual word order
superfluous words and adjectives
foreign words and phrases
unduly long sense-bites
legalese and technical jargons
use of noun phrases instead of verbs
overuse of passive
overuse of capitals [18]
9. https://www.google.co.in/search?q=plain+language&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms
&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjrqdSVwcjRAhXMsI8KHUPTD3kQ_AUIBygC#i
mgrc=jkA3eWDXlLxMUM%3A
CONCLUSION
Plain language is good and clear, unambiguous and never muddled or confused. There
are no pitfalls of written language, misuse of vocabulary, mixed metaphors and
pedantic sentence constructions. It is common-sense skill for any professional who
wish to express fluently and clearly. It is professional prudence to use plain language
for legal, official and business communication and documentation.
A document has several functions like carrying out legal, official or business purpose,
communicating, informing and persuading. These documents create private laws and
binding for the parties and govern their relationship for a particular time and purpose. In
such cases it is prudence to use plain language. Plain facilitates instant clarity, ease of
drafting and interpretation, time and cost saving. A document in plain language can be
amended or scaled easily without much discussion or confusion. A manager can easily
amend or scale the terms of agreement etc. if it is drafted in plain language without the
active help of a lawyer. If the business of professionals is to give ease and comfort to
their clients and stakeholders, the business of plain language is to give the same to the
professionals while doing business. Plain language is a user-friendly tool where you do
not require an engineer to put the pieces together. Brevity with simple words and
structure with clarity and precision is the key. “Structure and precision play a more
important role in written language. The importance of precision and conciseness can
never be overemphasized. As Dr. Seuss puts it:
There’s so much to be read
You never can cram all those thoughts in your head
So the writer who breeds
More words that he needs
Is making a chore for the reader who reads.
10. That’s why my belief is
The briefer the brief is
The greater the sigh of the reader’s relief is. [19]
The people of the contemporary world have defied the geographical remoteness and
even overcome cultural barriers for which technology and language are responsible.
People want learning, alliance, attachment and have empathy overlooking cultural and
linguistic blockades. Like use of technology for communication, language plays an
important role in levelling them intellectually and emotionally. When there has to be
interface among various people and professionals, understandable and comprehensive
language is mandatory. The role of plain language, be it any language, comes into
being and will expand as the world opens up more and people mingle more and more.
REFERENCES:
1. Ascham Roger, Toxophilus, “To all gentlemen and yeomen of England”, 1545
2. Sir Gowers, Ernest “The Complete Plain Words”. Penguin Books, London. 1987.
Pg. 19
3. Asprey, Michele, “Plain Language for Lawyers”, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
New Delhi. 2011. Pg 12
4. Butt, Peter & Castle, Richard, “Modern Legal Drafting”, Cambridge University
Press, New Delhi. 2006. Pg. 153
5. Butt, Peter & Castle, Richard, “Modern Legal Drafting”, Cambridge University
Press, New Delhi. 2006. Pg. 154
6. Discussion paper 1, “Legislation, Legal Rights and Plain English”. Law Reform
Commission. Melbourne. 1986. Pg. 3
7. Mercer, M, “Plain Language Symposium: A Success by Any Measure”, Simply
Plain, Vol 2, Issue 2, Oct-Dec 2007. Pg. 2
8. Gopen, G & Swan, J, “The Science of Scientific Writing”, American Scientist,
Nov-Dec 1990
9. Research Commissioned by the National Adult Literacy Agency and the EBS
Building Society. See Walshe, J, “Jargon Buster debunks bank-speak.”
10.“Reader Friendly Campaign Materials”, published by the International Literacy
Year Secretariat, Canberra. 1990
11.Mindlin, Maria. “Is Plain Language better? A Comparative Readability Study of Plain Language
Court Forms”, Scribes Journal of Legal Writing, Vol. 10, 2005-2006. Retrieved November 28,
2011, from: www.transcend.net/library/html/PLStudy.html
12.“Plain English and the Law”, Victorian Law Reform Commission Report No 9.
1987. Pg. 45
13.Raman, Meenakshi& Singh, Prakash, “Business Communication”, Oxford
University Press, New Delhi. 2006. Pg. 243
14.Asprey, Michele, “Plain Language for Lawyers”, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
New Delhi. 2011. Pg 98
15."Before and after". Plain English Campaign. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
16.Mindlin, Maria. “Readability” (2010). Transcend Translations.
11. 17.Derek Thompson (5 December 2012). "Citigroup Eliminates 11,000 Jobs in History's Most
Corporate-Jargony Paragraph Ever". The Atlantic. The Atlantic Monthly Group. Retrieved 17
March 2013.
18.Butt, Peter & Castle, Richard, “Modern Legal Drafting”, Cambridge University
Press, New Delhi. 2006. Pg. 127-128
19.Vishwanathan, Rajesh, “Business Communication”, Himalaya Publishing House,
Mumbai. 2010. Pg.329