Talking to everyone about everything Part 2: Simple- and Plain language

Accessibility is about much more than removing physical barriers - it is about ensuring that everyone has equal access to information and communication. And communication is the key word here. If we want to share information, it is important to address everyone - and preferably in a way that the other person can understand!  

In an earlier article, "Talking to everyone about everything," we looked at inclusive language and how it can help bring people together.  

Take a look at it: Talk to everyone about everything - Inclusive language - Eye-Able 

Today we look at two other important language concepts: plain language and easy language. These two approaches open doors for millions of people who often cannot access complex content, but there are important differences between the two 

Both allow many more people, regardless of education, cognitive ability, or language skills, to understand and participate in digital content. But what makes these forms of language special? What are their underlying rules, and how do they differ? Join us as we explore the world of inclusive language concepts - let's break down barriers and make digital communication accessible to everyone! 

Plain Language  

Simple language aims to make complex content understandable to a wide audience. Sentences are simplified and foreign words or technical terms are avoided or explained.  

Plain Language is not as strictly regulated as Simple Language and is intended for people who have difficulty understanding complicated texts, whether due to language barriers, low education levels, or reading difficulties.   

It can make texts generally accessible to a wider audience. In stressful or complex situations, it allows information to be conveyed as clearly and simply as possible, for example in government or health care.  

Criteria for Plain Language:  

• Short, simple sentences  

• Avoidance of foreign words or their explanations

• Avoid long nested sentences and complicated sentence structures  

• Use clear and concise language

• Convey content at a general level of understanding   

Simple language  

Plain language goes one step further and is a language concept developed specifically for people with cognitive impairments. It follows clear rules and is strictly regulated to ensure that texts are easy to understand. The main target groups are people with learning disabilities, older people who need help with reading due to age-related limitations, and people who are still learning the language. 

In Germany, for example, the "Netzwerk Leichte Sprache" has defined guidelines for the creation of texts in plain language. Together with the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, a guide to plain language has also been published. 

You can find it here: Leichte Sprache – Ein Ratgeber - BMAS 

Criteria for Simple Language:  

• Very short, simple sentences, often only main clauses  

• No use of foreign words; if necessary, they must be explained  

• Numbers are written in full  

• Simple, clear and concrete choice of words  

• Use of visual material to help understand the text  

• Repeat important information frequently  

• No use of metaphor or irony   

Differences Between Plain Language and Simple Language 

Although both language concepts aim to make content easier to understand, they differ in scope and rigor. Plain Language is more flexible and aims to make texts accessible to a wider readership, while Simple Language is designed specifically for people with cognitive disabilities and follows strict rules.  

Why are these concepts important?  

The use of plain and simple language promotes inclusion and participation in our society. People who would otherwise have difficulty understanding information are empowered by these language concepts to participate independently in social life. 

For companies and organizations, this means not only fulfilling their social responsibility, but also reaching a broader audience.  

Everyone benefits from a society that communicates effectively and where everyone can use their skills to the full. So let's keep working together to make the digital world accessible to everyone!