How much of plain language is about language?

The standard is based on an internationally agreed-upon definition of plain language.

This is how plain language is defined in the standard: Communication in which wording, structure and design are so clear that intended readers can easily

• find what they need,
• understand what they find, and
• use that information.

The guidance in the standard includes many plain language practices that are not word related. These cover a variety of writing issues such as organizing information for the reader, using good headings and considering graphics to convey information.

In fact, only 7% of the standard focuses on word choices.

The principles and techniques in the standard are not related to any particular language. The guidance it does have about words is high level, so it’s not specific to any one language. For example, the standard talks about using culturally relevant language, using words that your readers know, and using clear sentences.

The experts who wrote the standard come from 25 countries. Between them, those experts speak 19 languages and work in a wide range of roles and organizations. They worked together to make sure every sentence in the standard works in their language.

Because of this, the standard can be adopted in most, if not all, languages and cultures, and all sectors. It’s versatile and easy to use.

Some countries will localize the standard, to add information that’s specific to a language or to a country. Countries may also develop best practices to reflect what works within their own language, such as sentence length. Within 2 years of its publication, 12 countries had already translated it and 19 had adopted it or were selling it.