ISO releases Plain Language Standard

 

Notice: All this is cuttings and copies from websites. I wrote very few words myself/Jørgen Christian Wind Nielsen, July 2023

ISO releases Plain Language Standard 

ISO 24495-1:2023
Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines

Abstract
This document establishes governing principles and guidelines for developing plain language documents. The guidelines detail how the principles are interpreted and applied.

This document is for anybody who creates or helps create documents. The widest use of plain language is for documents that are intended for the general public. However, it is also applicable, for example, to technical writing, legislative drafting or using controlled languages.

This document applies to most, if not all, written languages, but it provides examples only in English. While this document covers the essential elements of plain language, it has some intentional limits, as follows:

—    It does not cover all types of communication. It applies only to printed or digital information that is primarily in the form of text.
NOTE 1    However, creators of other types of communications, such as podcasts and videos, can find this document useful.

—    It does not include existing technical guidance about accessibility and digital documents, although the guidance can apply to both.
NOTE 2    For guidance on accessibility, authors of digital documents can consider the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines[4] and EN 301 549.

Preview > link/
 

Scope
This International Standard is for anybody who creates or helps create documents. The widest use of plain language is for documents that are intended for the general public, but it is also applicable, for example, to technical writing, legislative drafting, or using controlled languages. 

This Standard will help 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. This Standard provides principles and guidelines for developing plain language documents. The guidelines detail how the principles should be interpreted and applied. 

The four governing principles are as follows: – Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant) – Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable) – Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find (understandable) – Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable) These principles rest on the premise that a document will be usable if the information in it is relevant, findable, and understandable (see Figure 1).

The standard will help people around the world access and use information.
Today (20 June 2023) the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) formally approved its first international plain language standard. The new standard will help improve written communication for everyone. All industries and sectors benefit from improved communication. 

This is particularly important in legal, health, public policy, government and corporate communications, where information influences critical decisions and people’s rights. 

• For the public, the standard aims to improve communication while promoting equity and access to information for global audiences. 

• For writers and communications professionals across all sectors, the new standard provides nearly universal plain language principles, guidelines and techniques to create accessible and effective communications. 

Economic benefits of plain language include increased efficiency and increased effectiveness.

The international plain language standard was developed by a working group that is part of ISO’s Technical Committee 37. The group of 50 plain language experts, representing 16 countries, drafted and advocated for the standard, with the support of the International Plain Language Federation. 

 
Why you need plain language
All industries and sectors benefit from improved communication. Readers benefit when they can understand and use information. And organizations gain improved branding, efficiency, and effectiveness of communications products. A plain language standard provides all sectors, in nearly all languages, with a set of guidelines and strategies to make information more accessible and effective.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard:

ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines.

Words to Deeds > link/


Nala > link/


ISO 24495-1:2023 - Plain language — Part 1 > link/
  

ISO STANDARD - International Plain Language Federation > link/
 

iplfederation.org > link/


Information from the Danish Standardisation Institute, in Danish.
Go look for descriptions at the website of your own standardisation Institute, if you wish. 

Klarsprogsbeskrivelse – Del 1: Overordnede principper og retningslinjer 
DSF/ISO/FDIS 24495-1
Varenummer
M361488
Komite
ISO/TC 37
Internationale relationer
 
ISO/FDIS 24495-1 IDT
Dansk udvalg
DS/S-446 > link/  
ICS grupper
01.140.10 - Skrivning og translitteration > link/