Skip to Content
Last modified by Lizzie Bruce on 2020/01/11 23:49
From version Icon 1.40 Icon
edited by Lizzie Bruce
on 2019/03/09 02:38
Change comment: There is no comment for this version
To version Icon 1.58 Icon
edited by Lizzie Bruce
on 2019/04/24 11:02
Change comment: Adding evidence from AM

Summary

Details

Icon Page properties
Title
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,1 @@
1 -Law, medicine and money
1 +Legal, medical and financial terms
Content
... ... @@ -1,127 +1,155 @@
1 1  (% class="box" %)
2 2  (((
3 -Following this helps:
4 -\\
3 +{{id name="#UM"/}}Following this helps:
4 +
5 +
6 +* **people in a hurry** – simply written content is quicker to scan
7 +* **people who are stressed** – if you're anxious it's difficult to understand complex text
8 +* **people who are multi-tasking** – when distracted complex text is harder to comprehend
9 +* **people with low literacy** – will not know meanings of complex vocabulary and terms
10 +* **cognitive impairments** – easy to understand words involve less cognitive load
11 +* **visual impairments** – short, simple sentences convey meaning in a smaller visual field
12 +* **motor impairments** – it takes less physical effort to navigate shorter content
5 5  )))
6 6  
7 7  
8 -(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
9 9  == Guidance ==
10 10  
11 11  (% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
12 -The [[legal>>doc:||anchor="l"]], [[medical>>doc:||anchor="m"]] and [[financial>>doc:||anchor="mo"]] professions are known for using complex terminology. But it's not necessary and confuses people who use their services. 
19 +The legal, financial and medical professions are known for complex terminology. This is not necessary and confuses people. 
13 13  
14 14  
15 -[[Law>>doc:||anchor="l"]]
22 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
23 +**Health:** People need to understand doctors' letters and consultant reports easily. They need to be able to comprehend online information about health. 
16 16  
17 -[[Medicine>>doc:||anchor="m"]]
25 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
26 +**Finances: **Many people do not understand financial terms. This causes problems. Complex terminology describing conceptual arrangements is not helpful.
18 18  
19 -[[Money>>doc:||anchor="mo"]]
28 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
29 +**Law: **Judges created a set of tools to decide what legal writers intended: Statutory Interpretation. But analyses can contradict each other. Plain English makes meaning clearer from the start.
20 20  
21 -----
22 22  
23 -== {{id name="l"/}}Law ==
32 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H1.Usesimplelanguageforlegalterms." %)
33 +[[1. Use simple language for legal terms.>>doc:||anchor="#l1"]]
24 24  
25 -Judges need to decide what legal writers intended their writing to mean. They have evolved a set of tools for this analysis: Statutory Interpretation.
35 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H2.Explainthelawincontext." %)
36 +[[2. Explain the law in context.>>doc:||anchor="#l2"]]
26 26  
27 -Writing in plain English can make meaning clear, so that judges don’t have to rely on sometimes contradictory interpretations.
38 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H1.Writeclearly." %)
39 +[[3. Write medical information clearly.>>doc:||anchor="#m1"]]
28 28  
41 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H2.Explainmedicalterms." %)
42 +[[4. Explain medical terms.>>doc:||anchor="#m2"]]
29 29  
30 -=== 1. Use simple language for legal terms. ===
44 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H1.Useclearlanguage." %)
45 +[[5. Use clear language for financial information.>>doc:||anchor="#mo1"]]
31 31  
32 -If information on your website is unclear your organisation could be taken to court and lose, even if content is approved by your legal department.
47 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H2.Explainterminology." %)
48 +[[6. Explain financial terminology.>>doc:||anchor="#mo2"]]
33 33  
50 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H3.Giveexamplesofconceptualarrangements." %)
51 +[[7. Give examples of conceptual financial arrangements.>>doc:||anchor="#mo3"]]
34 34  
35 -=== 2. Explain the law in context. ===
53 +[[Usability evidence>>doc:||anchor="#UEL"]]
54 +
36 36  
37 -When you refer to a law, or part of it, explain what that law is at the point of user need. Do not only refer to it in a reference section or appendix.
56 +----
38 38  
39 ->Example:
40 -> Positioned at the top of a form, not hidden away in references section.
58 +=== {{id name="#l1"/}}1. Use simple language for legal terms. ===
41 41  
42 -(((
43 -"We collect personal information on this form under section 26 the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, because it concerns our programs and activities (c), and it is necessary for planning and evaluating our programs and activities(e)."
44 -)))
60 +If information on your website is unclear your organisation could be taken to court and lose, even if content is approved by your legal department.
45 45  
46 ->Example:
47 ->
48 ->"**Direct sales contract — exemptions from application of the Act**"  [Subheading]
49 ->
50 ->5 (1) This section describes direct sellers that are, and circumstances in which direct sellers are, exempt from the application of sections 19 to 22 (required contents, direct sales contracts, direct sales contract — cancellation, credit agreement respecting direct sales contract) of the Act."  [Body copy]
51 51  
52 -== ==
63 +=== {{id name="#l2"/}}2. Explain the law in context. ===
53 53  
54 -== Usability evidence: plain English in law ==
65 +When you refer to a law, or part of it, explain what that law is at the point of user need. Do not only refer to it in a reference section or appendix.
55 55  
56 -[['Joseph Kimble—No, the law does not (normally) require legalese'>>url:http://www.ivacheung.com/2015/07/joseph-kimble-no-the-law-does-not-normally-require-legalese-editing-goes-global-2015/]] Editing Goes Global, 2015. Professor Joseph Kimble discusses the "psuedo-precision of legalese".
57 57  
58 -[[Plain language: the underlying research>>url:https://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/sites/default/files/resources/Schriver_Karen%20Clarity2012.pdf]], Karen Schriver slide presentation, pages 29 to 35.
68 +Example:
69 +\\(% class="mark" %)Positioned at the top of a form, not hidden away in references section:
59 59  
60 -[[The public speaks: an empirical study of legal communication>>url:http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=christopher_trudeau]], study by Christopher Trudeau (@proftrudeau on Twitter) containing case studies from solicitors about using legal language.
71 +(((
72 +"We collect personal information on this form under section 26 the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, because it concerns our programs and activities (c), and it is necessary for planning and evaluating our programs and activities(e)."
73 +)))
61 61  
62 -[[Richmond vs HRA>>url:http://www.alltrials.net/news/judgment-in-richmond-v-hra-judicial-review/]] A pharmaceutical company called Richmond took the Health Regulatory Authority to court because the website was confusing. A high court judge deemed the site 'unlawful' and ruled against the government. The site was cleared through a legal department. This set a precedent in the UK. You could still be sued even with all the legal language is there, if the information is not clear.
63 63  
64 -[[Plain English Campaign>>url:http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/campaigning/past-campaigns/legal/drafting-in-plain-english.html]] believes legalese is unnecessary and does not do what it was intended to. "The argument that clarity should be sacrificed for a document to be comprehensive does not stand up."
76 +Example:
77 +\\[Subheading]
78 +(% class="mark" %)"**Direct sales contract — exemptions from application of the Act**(%%)
79 +
65 65  
81 +[Body copy]
82 +(% class="mark" %)5 (1) This section describes direct sellers that are, and circumstances in which direct sellers are, exempt from the application of sections 19 to 22 (required contents, direct sales contracts, direct sales contract — cancellation, credit agreement respecting direct sales contract) of the Act."
66 66  
67 -----
68 68  
69 -== {{id name="m"/}}Medicine ==
85 +=== {{id name="#m1"/}}3. Write medical information clearly. ===
70 70  
71 -People need letters and reports about their health from doctors and consultants to be easy to understand. And they need online information to be comprehensible. 
87 +Users of the information might be in shock or anxious, which reduces cognition.
72 72  
73 73  
74 -=== 1. Write clearly. ===
90 +=== {{id name="#m2"/}} 4. Explain medical terms. ===
75 75  
76 -Users of the information might be in shock or anxious, which reduces cognition.
92 +Medical terms are unlikely to be understood by your readers. It similar to assuming they would know a word in a foreign language. Follow the word or phrase with a plain English explanation.
77 77  
78 78  
79 -=== 2. Explain medical terms. ===
95 +=== {{id name="#mo1"/}}5. Use clear language for financial information. ===
80 80  
81 -Medical terms are likely not to be understood by your readers. It is likely assuming they would know a word in a foreign language. Follow the word or phrase with a plain English explanation.
97 +Dealing with financial issues can be stressful, which means your audience will have less cognitive capability available. Write information so that it is easy for them to understand.
98 +
82 82  
100 +=== {{id name="#mo2"/}}6. Explain financial terminology. ===
83 83  
84 -== Usability evidence: plain English in medicine ==
102 +Avoid using financial jargon. Acronyms and pseudonyms may make sense internally, but people using your services may not understand them.
85 85  
86 -[[Guide to medical information>>http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/files/medicalguide.pdf]] from Plain English Campaign.
87 87  
88 -[[Guidance on writing letters to outpatients>>http://www.aomrc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Please_write_to_me_Guidance_010918.pdf]] from Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
105 +=== {{id name="#mo3"/}}7. Give examples of conceptual financial arrangements. ===
89 89  
90 -[['Clarity is king – the evidence that reveals the desperate need to re-think the way we write'>>https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/02/17/guest-post-clarity-is-king-the-evidence-that-reveals-the-desperate-need-to-re-think-the-way-we-write/]] GDS blog, Mark Morris, 2014
107 +A tracker or shared ownership mortgage is easier to understand if you give examples.
91 91  
92 -[['Connecting with audiences: An evidence-based language sourcebook for the Department of Health'>>http://www.linguisticlandscapes.co.uk/pdf/DH%20Language%20Guidelines%20230710%20FINAL_for%20website_240114.pdf]] Linguistic Landscapes, July 2010
109 +This is important for credit arrangements where there is an initial interest rate that may change.
93 93  
94 -[[NHS content style guide beta>>https://beta.nhs.uk/service-manual/content/how-we-write]], January 2019
95 95  
96 -
97 97  ----
98 98  
99 -== ==
114 +=== {{id name="#UEL"/}}Usability evidence ===
100 100  
101 -== {{id name="mo"/}}Money ==
116 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="H" %)
117 +[['Department of Health Stakeholder Report: 2012'>>https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-of-health-stakeholder-report-2012]], research by Ipsos MORI, 2012
102 102  
103 -Many people do not understand their finances and it causes them problems. Complex terminology describing concept-heavy arrangements about a non-tangible resource makes things difficult for everybody.
119 +(% class="wikigeneratedid" %)
120 +[['Connecting with audiences. An evidence-based language sourcebook for the Department of Health'>>http://www.linguisticlandscapes.co.uk/pdf/DH%20Language%20Guidelines%20230710%20FINAL_for%20website_240114.pdf]], DoH and Linguistic Landscapes, 2010, revised 2014
104 104  
122 +[['Writing content for everyone>>path:/xwiki/bin/get/Plain%20English/Plain%20English%2C%20simple%20sentences/?sheet=CKEditor.ResourceDispatcher&outputSyntax=plain&language=en&type=doc&reference=https%3A%2F%2Fgds.blog.gov.uk%2F2016%2F02%2F23%2Fwriting-content-for-everyone%2F]]', blog post by, Roz Strachan, Government Digital Service, 2016
105 105  
106 -=== 1. Use clear language. ===
124 +[['Joseph Kimble—No, the law does not (normally) require legalese'>>url:http://www.ivacheung.com/2015/07/joseph-kimble-no-the-law-does-not-normally-require-legalese-editing-goes-global-2015/]] Editing Goes Global, 2015. Professor Joseph Kimble discusses the "psuedo-precision of legalese".
107 107  
108 -Dealing with financial issues can be stressful, which means your audience will have less cognitive capability available. Make your information easy for them to understand.
109 -\\
126 +[[Plain language: the underlying research>>url:https://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/sites/default/files/resources/Schriver_Karen%20Clarity2012.pdf]], Karen Schriver slide presentation, pages 29 to 35.
110 110  
111 -=== 2. Explain terminology. ===
128 +[[The public speaks: an empirical study of legal communication>>url:http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=christopher_trudeau]], study by Christopher Trudeau (@proftrudeau on Twitter) containing case studies from solicitors about using legal language.
112 112  
113 -Avoid using financial jargon. Acronyms and pseudonyms may make sense internally, but people using your services may not understand them.
130 +[[Richmond vs HRA>>url:http://www.alltrials.net/news/judgment-in-richmond-v-hra-judicial-review/]] A pharmaceutical company called Richmond took the Health Regulatory Authority to court because the website was confusing. A high court judge deemed the site 'unlawful' and ruled against the government. The site was cleared through a legal department. This set a precedent in the UK. You could still be sued even with all the legal language is there, if the information is not clear.
114 114  
132 +[[Plain English Campaign>>url:http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/campaigning/past-campaigns/legal/drafting-in-plain-english.html]] believes legalese is unnecessary and does not do what it was intended to. "The argument that clarity should be sacrificed for a document to be comprehensive does not stand up."
115 115  
116 -=== 3. Give examples of conceptual arrangements. ===
134 +[[Guide to medical information>>http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/files/medicalguide.pdf]] from Plain English Campaign.
117 117  
118 -A tracker or shared ownership mortgage is easier to understand if you give examples.
136 +[[Guidance on writing letters to outpatients>>http://www.aomrc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Please_write_to_me_Guidance_010918.pdf]] from Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
119 119  
120 -This is important for credit arrangements where there is an initial interest rate that may change.
138 +[['Clarity is king – the evidence that reveals the desperate need to re-think the way we write'>>https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/02/17/guest-post-clarity-is-king-the-evidence-that-reveals-the-desperate-need-to-re-think-the-way-we-write/]] GDS blog, Mark Morris, 2014
121 121  
140 +[['Connecting with audiences: An evidence-based language sourcebook for the Department of Health'>>http://www.linguisticlandscapes.co.uk/pdf/DH%20Language%20Guidelines%20230710%20FINAL_for%20website_240114.pdf]] Linguistic Landscapes, July 2010
122 122  
123 -== Usability evidence: plain English in finance ==
142 +[[NHS content style guide beta>>https://beta.nhs.uk/service-manual/content/how-we-write]], January 2019
124 124  
125 -[[A to Z of financial terms (PDF 87KB)>>http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/files/financialguide.pdf]] from Plain English Campaign.
144 +[[A to Z of financial terms (PDF 87KB)>>http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/files/financialguide.pdf]] from Plain English Campaign.[[Plain English guide to financial term (PDF 686KB)>>https://www.nala.ie/resources/plain-english-guide-financial-terms]] from National Adult Literacy Agency, Ireland, January 2009.
126 126  
127 -[[Plain English guide to financial term (PDF 686KB)>>https://www.nala.ie/resources/plain-english-guide-financial-terms]] from National Adult Literacy Agency, Ireland, January 2009.
146 +
147 +(% class="box" %)
148 +(((
149 +See also:
150 +
151 +* [[Plain English>>doc:Plain English.Plain English, simple sentences.WebHome]]
152 +* [[Simple sentences>>doc:Plain English.Simple sentences.WebHome]]
153 +* [[Specialist terms>>doc:Plain English.Specialist terms.WebHome]]
154 +* [[Words to avoid>>doc:Plain English.Words to avoid.WebHome]]
155 +)))
Icon XWiki.XWikiComments[0]
Author
... ... @@ -1,0 +1,1 @@
1 +Anonymous
Comment
... ... @@ -1,0 +1,5 @@
1 +4. Explain medical terms.
2 +Medical terms are unlikely to be understood by your readers. It similar to assuming
3 +
4 +
5 +Should be : it is similar
Date
... ... @@ -1,0 +1,1 @@
1 +2019-04-01 22:40:18.0
Icon XWiki.XWikiComments[1]
Author
... ... @@ -1,0 +1,1 @@
1 +xwiki:XWiki.LizzieBruce
Comment
... ... @@ -1,0 +1,1 @@
1 +Thanks! Feel free to contact me for a wiki edit log in if you spot anything else. lizzie@contentdesign.london
Date
... ... @@ -1,0 +1,1 @@
1 +2019-04-24 11:37:24.0