Easy and plain languages as special cases of linguistic tailoring and standard language varieties

Abstract

This article aims to introduce new insights to further the understanding of easy language (EL) and plain language (PL) as examples of tailored language and place them within a broader context of linguistic varieties. We examine EL and PL in relation to standard language, and we consider the degree of conscious effort required in tailoring and the compliance with the codified norms of standard language. Both EL and PL are used in asymmetric communication: PL to mediate between specialists and the general public and EL in communication with people with language barriers. We argue that while these varieties have similar purposes and methods, they also have significant differences; for example, the tailoring moves in opposite directions, as PL seeks general comprehensibility and EL aims to reach special and vulnerable groups. The differences between PL and EL are primarily linked to social prestige and the potential risk of stigma related to their use.

Selkokielellä kriisiä rakentamassa: koronadiskurssit selkomediassa ja tukijärjestöjen viestinnässä

“…Selkokielisyyden tarve kriisiviestinnässä on tunnistettu ja tunnustettu, mikä saattaa parantaa kielimuodon saavutettavuutta asenteiden tasolla ja osaltaan vähentää mahdollista stigmaa, joka voi kummuta suhtautumisesta selkokielen ensisijaisiin kohderyhmiin ja saattaa marginalisoida kielellistä tukea tarvitsevia (esim. Maaβ 2020: 209; myös Leskelä, Mustajoki & Piehl 2022). Suhtautumisessa selkoviestintään näkyy myös kulttuurisia eroja, mikä johtuu osittain käsityksistä selkokielisyydestä sekä selkokielen ja selkeän yleiskielen eroista.…”

A Quantitative Study of Simplification Strategies in Adapted Texts for L2 Learners of Russian

“…Easy and Plain Language are tailored languages (Leskelä et al, 2022) often aimed at a specific audience, such as people with learning disabilities, children, or second language learners. Easy Language is even considered to be a rule-based variety that reverts to purposeful language planning and shows similarities with controlled languages (Maaß, 2020).…”