The Canadian Oxford Dictionary, 2nd edition, defines ambassador as:
- an accredited diplomat sent by a state on a mission to, or as its permanent representative in, a foreign country.
- a representative or promoter of a specified thing: an ambassador of peace.
With members coming from 52 countries around the world and speaking 21 languages, it is no wonder that the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) needs an ambassador program. In fact, more than half of the members come from non-English–speaking countries, so we need ambassadors who speak our members’ languages.
Started about six years ago, the program now has 21 ambassadors. They not only promote plain language and PLAIN in their various regions and languages, but they also provide local perspectives to international discussions at PLAIN.
This issue of the PLAIN eJournal shares stories from many of these ambassadors, covering activities happening around the globe in many languages. Not really knowing how best to organize this issue, I decided to present them alphabetically.
Together, these contributions show how plain language is taking root in different cultural, linguistic, and political contexts. Although each ambassador’s experience is unique, common themes emerge: advocacy, education, collaboration, and a commitment to making communication clearer.
Explore the eJournals
PLAIN eJournal Vol 8 No. 2
With members coming from 52 countries around the world and speaking 21 languages, it is no wonder that the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) needs an ambassador program. In fact, more than half of the members come from non-English–speaking countries, so we need ambassadors who speak our members’ languages. Started about six years ago, the program now has 21 ambassadors. They not only promote plain language and PLAIN in their various regions and languages, but they also provide local perspectives to international discussions at PLAIN. This issue of the PLAIN eJournal shares stories from many of these ambassadors, covering activities happening around the globe in many languages. Not really knowing how best to organize this issue, I decided to present them alphabetically. Together, these contributions show how plain language is taking root in different cultural, linguistic, and political contexts. Although each ambassador’s experience is unique, common themes emerge: advocacy, education, collaboration, and a commitment to making communication clearer.
PLAIN eJournal Vol. 8, No. 1
The Brussels Plain Language Experience 2025 in November by all accounts was an amazing experience for people who attended. Sharing knowledge from around the globe generated energy and inspiration to expand plain language understanding and usage. While this issue of the PLAIN eJournal cannot re-create that energy, I hope sharing some of the knowledge that was presented in Brussels can inspire you, our readers, in your work.
PLAIN eJournal Vol. 7, No. 2
Read all the news about the 5 plain language standards with the International Organization for Standardization. So much has happened in the global plain language community since the ISO - International Organization for Standardization published ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. The (Plain Language Association International) PLAIN eJournal has published some quick updates since then — mainly in the form of closing articles from the president of the International Plain Language Federation.
