PLAIN, in partnership with Claro, is launching the Plain International Survey. This international survey will assess how governments implement plain language and how citizens view their success.
Our partner for the project, Claro, is the pioneer organization for plain language in Portugal. By combining our efforts, the survey will become a major resource for plain language professionals and advocates around the world.
The survey results will also be published on a dedicated website and in detailed annual reports that will be made available without cost to PLAIN members. The survey will help our members to make the case for plain language in their own work. Almost nothing helps to persuade organizations of the value of plain language as much as case studies from around the world!
Three surveys in one
The country-by-country survey includes three questionnaires, each focusing on a different perspective:
- Central Government establishes which countries have laws requiring plain language and what initiatives are supporting them;
- Agency explores the effectiveness of public agencies in plain language goals and initiatives; and,
- Public Perception assesses the public’s views of government communication and how much they value plain language.
In recent months, we’ve been developing the surveys for a pilot survey in four countries. We’re now asking PLAIN members to test the questionnaires and give us your feedback before the survey goes live in January 2017. Both PLAIN and Clarity members may participate in the pilot survey.
Central government
Agencies
Public’s perception
Four-country pilot in early 2017
The survey project is also part of PLAIN’s push to promote plain language in a wider range of countries and languages around the world. After evaluating the pilot, PLAIN will look to roll out the survey to other countries and languages in 2018 and 2019.
If you’d like to be your country’s liaison or could help us translate the survey into your language, please get in touch.
