2011 Press Release

Backgrounder Contact: email@cherylstephens.com 1-604-739-6884 International Plain Language Day Launches October 13 “October 13, International Literacy Day, we will mark the progress we’ve made in the last 20 years in serving the readers of government, business, legal, and health information. We expect a big leap forward now as more attention is given to plain language, especially in government and health sectors,” said organizer Cheryl Stephens. In the late 80s a godfather of plain language, Australian professor Robert Eagleson, explained that plain language is”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 the language.” Stephens declared October 13 as International Plain Language Day to raise awareness of the advances in the last 20 years and to mark achievements. Events have been organized in Sweden, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.S. and Canada. There is no longer any debate whether plain language is better than confusing, jumbled writing. Or that difficult text is both a time-waste and bottom-line cost to organizations. The U.S. federal government has recognized the savings from effective writing with passage of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 which mandates government writers use plain language as of October 13. Using plain language is one of the key pieces of advice being given to medical personnel in Canada and the U.S. to patient’s understanding of information provided during diagnostic and treatment. In public health campaigns, plain language is considered a “universal precaution”. In Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has proclaimed October 13 International Plain Language Day. The city has had plain language policies for years. The Proclamation will be shared at a meet up at the ING Direct Café at 3 p.m. Thursday. In Calgary, petitioners will visit City Hall to request a similar proclamation be issued for next October 13. “It is important for cities to use language that welcomes participation and understanding,” said Druh Farrell, City of Calgary Alderman who wants a plain language policy for Calgary. “As one writer said, communicating with City Hall can be “as clear as mud in a muddy mud puddle with a pile of mud added for good measure”, and a Plain Language Policy is the first step forward.” Meet ups will be held across Canada in ING DIRECT Cafés. ING Direct is also well- known for its plain language.