Plain language

when did the plain language movement start, who were its chief champions, and what books have been written on this topic, and which organizations are its chief champions today?

The Plain Language Movement, also known as the Plain English Movement, began in the 1970s as a response to complex and convoluted legal, bureaucratic, and technical documents. Its main goal is to promote clear, concise, and understandable language in various forms of communication, such as legal documents, government forms, user manuals, and public information.

While it is challenging to pinpoint a single origin for the movement, there were several key figures who played significant roles in its development. Among the notable champions of the Plain Language Movement are:

1. Rudolf Flesch: Flesch was an Austrian-born American author and readability expert. He published several influential books, including "The Art of Readable Writing" (1949) and "The ABC of Style: A Guide to Plain English" (1964). Flesch's work in readability research and his advocacy for clear language greatly influenced the movement.

2. Robert Gunning: Gunning was an American businessman and communication consultant. He developed the Gunning Fog Index, a readability formula widely used to assess the complexity of written texts. Gunning's contributions to readability measurement and his emphasis on simplicity and clarity in writing were instrumental to the movement.

3. Chrissie Maher: Maher is a British campaigner and founder of the Plain English Campaign, established in 1979. The Plain English Campaign has been actively involved in promoting plain language and raising awareness about the importance of clear communication. Maher and her organization have campaigned for plain language in various areas, including legal, governmental, and business contexts.

Several books have been written on the topic of plain language. Here are a few notable examples:

1. "Plain Words" by Ernest Gowers: Originally published in 1948 and revised in 1954, this book is considered a classic in the field. Gowers, a British civil servant, provides practical advice on how to write clearly and effectively.

2. "The Complete Plain Words" by Sir Ernest Gowers: First published in 1954, this expanded edition of Gowers' original book includes additional material and remains a valuable resource on plain language usage.

3. "Writing in Plain English" by Robert Eagleson: Published in 1991, Eagleson's book offers practical guidance on how to write clearly and avoid common pitfalls of complex language.

4. "Plain Language in Plain English" by Cheryl Stephens: This book, first published in 1996, provides a comprehensive introduction to plain language principles and techniques, offering practical advice for improving clarity in writing.

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2. "The Complete Plain Words" by Sir Ernest Gowers: First published in 1954, this expanded edition of Gowers' original book includes additional material and remains a valuable resource on plain language usage.

3. "Writing in Plain English" by Robert Eagleson: Published in 1991, Eagleson's book offers practical guidance on how to write clearly and avoid common pitfalls of complex language.

4. "Plain Language in Plain English" by Cheryl Stephens: This book, first published in 1996, provides a comprehensive introduction to plain language principles and techniques, offering practical advice for improving clarity in writing.

These are just a few examples, and there are numerous other books, guides, and resources available on the topic of plain language that explore its principles, techniques, and applications in various fields.

Today, several organizations champion the use of plain language and continue to promote its principles in various domains. Some of the prominent organizations advocating for plain language include:

1. Center for Plain Language: The Center for Plain Language, based in the United States, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for clear communication. They work with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to improve the clarity and effectiveness of their communication materials.

2. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN): PLAIN is a global association that brings together professionals and organizations interested in promoting plain language. They provide resources, support research, and facilitate knowledge sharing among members to advance the use of plain language worldwide.

3. Clarity: Clarity is an international network of professionals working towards clarity and plain legal language. They aim to improve the quality of legal and public-sector communication through conferences, publications, and collaboration with legal experts and practitioners.

4. Plain English Campaign: The Plain English Campaign, founded by Chrissie Maher, continues to be active in promoting plain language in the United Kingdom. They campaign for clearer communication across various sectors, including government, law, and business.

5. International Plain Language Federation (IPLF): The IPLF is a global federation that connects plain language organizations from different countries. It aims to support the development and growth of plain language initiatives worldwide and foster collaboration among its member organizations.

These organizations, among others, work to raise awareness about the importance of plain language, provide guidelines and resources, conduct training, and collaborate with governments, businesses, and professionals to promote clear communication in various fields.