Is plain language in need of an image makeover?
A few years ago I hosted a ‘makeup and jewellery makeover afternoon’ on behalf of two friends who also have businesses (professional makeup artist Sarah, and Tropic Ambassador Fiona). As you can imagine, I had no trouble getting prospective customers to come along—something I noted with only a modicum of envy (because who in their right mind would come to a ‘plain language’ do at any time of day? 😅).
Fast forward to January 2025, and I’m wondering: Is plain language in need of a makeover of its own?
Many people are turned off by the idea of ‘plain language’. But I wonder if at least some of that is down to the term itself. To start with, consider the various meanings of the word ‘plain’—ordinary, dull, simplistic, blunt, unappealing, unsophisticated, and so on. Indeed, writers often cite precisely these perceived qualities to explain why they don’t use plain language themselves. Add the word ‘language’ and the image gets worse—in your mind’s eye, you’re back in English class at school, desperately trying to recall a) what a subjunctive is and b) what to do with it were you to find one 😉.
In fact, because it’s about being clear, precise and understandable, plain language is both simpler and more elegant than a lot of business writing. Nor do you need to be an expert in English grammar to use it. It also makes content more appealing and accessible, which makes it inclusive and socially responsible to boot.
But none of that is obvious from the term ‘plain language’. So, what could we call it instead to give it a more deserving image? Well to start you off, let me offer up ‘Clear Writing’. I like it for three main reasons:
- Neither word has any obvious negative connotations.
- It recognises that the plain language concept goes beyond language to encompass other elements of our writing (tone, layout, structure, etc). And,
- It comes closer to encapsulating and exemplifying its goal—and in these times of misinformation, disinformation and ‘alternative facts’, that goal is surely one we can all sign up to.
But is there another name that could do it more justice? What do you think?
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