New networks for the next generation
In 1993, when two Canadians founded the professional network that became PLAIN, its first members were mostly from English-speaking North America. Twenty-five years later, PLAIN has members from over 30 countries working in some 15 languages.
This first issue highlights the next generation to join our growing network: six more countries setting out on the plain language journey — Hungary, Germany, Japan, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia.
In Hungary, Vera Gergely started a one-woman plain language effort in 2014 when “nobody had heard of plain language.” In Germany, Beate Wiegard surveys exciting developments in government, health, and legal sectors, alongside a fascinating debate between “einfache Sprache” (plain language) and “Leichte Sprache” (easy-to-read) German. In Japan, where the concept of plain language is largely unknown, Machiko Asai and Sarah Ingmanson Battaglia outline how a new consortium is about to raise awareness of clearer communication.
In South America, some of the most exciting plain language developments are happening around powerful new networks. Chile’s Transparency Council outlines a network of seven major public institutions. Argentina has built its own network based on the Chilean model. And in Colombia, a new plain language bill and manual are helping institutions communicate more effectively with citizens.
These stories suggest plain language is poised to reach a critical mass of countries globally. This multilingual issue is published in five languages: English, Hungarian, German, Japanese, and Spanish — a fitting way to launch PLAIN’s journal in its 25th year.
