What is the ISO Plain Language Standard
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent organization that develops, publishes, and sells international standards. An ISO standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, or guidelines to ensure the consistent quality of products and services internationally. The ISO has issued over 25,000 standards.
In June 2023, ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines was published. This international standard “helps authors develop documents that communicate effectively with their intended readers. It applies to most written languages and reflects the most recent research on plain language and the experience of plain language experts globally.”
Plain language definition
The ISO standard defines plain language as:
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 ISO adopted this definition from the International Plain Language Federation (IPLF).
Why you need the standard
The ISO Plain Language Standard helps create clear, concise, and effective documents. It is based on an internationally accepted definition of plain language. It provides a set of guidelines and strategies to make information more accessible. This standard applies to most languages and sectors, and is a valuable tool for all plain language practitioners.
The standard was developed by a wide and diverse range of experts from all over the world. This has given us a standard that is quite universal.
How PLAIN was involved
PLAIN, the Center for Plain Language, and Clarity International joined forces in 2007 to advance plain language as a profession globally. We formed the International Plain Language Federation (IPLF).
Firstly, we worked together on the definition for plain language. The definition has been translated into over 30 languages. After publishing the definition, we joined forces with the ISO to develop the plain language standard. The standard is based on the IPLF’s definition of plain language.
Together, we initiated the ISO project, contributed to drafting the standard, and advocated for the standard’s approval. We continue to work together to promote the standard’s adoption and use. We are also working on other parts of the standard.
Our board members helped develop, promote, and support the standard on many levels and on various committees, including:
- ISO Technical Committee 37, Working Group 11
- IPLF board
- IPLF sub-committees:
- Certification
- Communications
- Standard Localization and Implementation
- Resources Bank and Training
How our members were involved
Many of PLAIN’s members helped develop and promote the standard, mainly in these two ways:
- Committees: Some of PLAIN’s members and volunteers also serve on the ISO and IPLF working groups and committees.
- Feedback on the standard: We reached out to our members for feedback on the draft of the ISO standard as part of the ISO consultation process. We gathered the feedback and submitted it to the standard drafting committee. Our members have had the opportunity to impact the standard and will have the same opportunity with future parts of the standard.
Get your copy
You can buy a copy of the standard on the ISO website.
You may also be able to buy the standard in your local currency from your National Standards Body.
Future parts of the standard
We continue to work on future parts of the standard. Currently, two new parts are going through the ISO process. These focus on legal communications and science writing. We have asked for feedback from our members on these two drafts. More parts are planned. If you want to know more or want to get involved, please contact us.
