National
Literacy Day

The Plain Language Association International says:
"Support International Literacy Day
by Using Plain Language for All Your Readers"

The day after Labor Day is International Literacy Day. Events will take place around the world to encourage:

• Non-readers to learn to read and
• Readers to read every day.

All readers have a right to easily understood information on issues that are important to their lives--whether those issues concern health, legal rights, government activities, or consumer services. The Plain Language Association International is an organization of plain-language advocates in business, education, law and government. We believe that writers, too, need to hear a message on Literacy Day.

Take responsibility for communicating your message:

• Use plain language.
• Consider your reader's reading skills and abilities.

Plain language not only lets writers reach readers whose skills are not up to the requirements of the information society, but it is appreciated by all readers. Gobbledygook raises the level of reading skill needed to function in a society already making heavy demands--a society in which information is currency. Plain language helps everyone, while gobbledygook offends everyone.

For an introduction to plain-language writing, work your way through the training program developed by the National Literacy Secretariat, The Plain Train, or read an Introduction to Plain Language.

Another online resource is provided by the U.S. government's Plain Language Action & Information Network, http://plainlanguage.gov.

Additional background materials for this release:

• Writing for specific audiences or on specific topics: government, education, the law, science, the Web, or business
• Samples of Plain-Language Rewrites
• Cost savings and quality advantages from plain-language initiatives
• Canada's National Literacy Secretariat
  Phone: 1-819-953-5280
• U.S. National Institute for Literacy
  Phone: 1-202-632-1500
  Hotline: 1-800-228-8813

For more information concerning the Plain Language Network or this news release, contact:

Carol Ann Wilson, PLN Coordinator
National Law Library Inc.
http://www.itislaw.com
4301 Windfern, Suite 150
Houston, TX 77041-8915
Phone: 281-600-6000
Fax: 713-462-7519

E-mail: carolw@itislaw.com

Warning notices particularly require plain language. Life is fraught with tragedy when warnings are not delivered in clear, appropriate language.

Consider this example and a simplified version:

Before
The synthetic lubricating oil used in this engine contains additives which, if allowed to come into contact with the skin for prolonged periods, can be toxic through absorption.

After
Do not leave the engine oil on your skin for a long period of time. The oil is poisonous. It can go through your skin and into your body.

After the tragic death of a passenger, the Toronto subway system changed this sign (confusing in the circumstances) to the version that follows it:

Before
Emergency: To cut power on third rail, pull alarm. Pull handle, then pull down lever.

After
Emergency power cut.
To cut power on tracks:
1. Pull handle, breaking glass.
2. Push inside lever down.