Plain language around the world

In Sweden, plain language in the public sector has a history of more than 50 years. Already in 1713, the king Charles XII ordered official documents be written in “clear Swedish.”

South Africa adopted multilingual policy after 1994, embedding plain language in law, consumer protection, and public communication, with ISO adoption in 2024.

Russia promotes clear communication in digital services and UX writing, with initiatives like Gosuslugi and Fincult, and work underway since 2022 toward a national plain language standard.

Norway’s plain language movement advanced from early initiatives to a 2022 language law, supported by long-term government programs, and the ISO standard adopted in 2023.

The Netherlands promotes plain language through initiatives like Direct Duidelijk, supported by advocacy groups, government efforts, and shared language collaboration.

In Italy, “linguaggio chiaro” is gaining traction through regulators and industry guidelines, but complex legal and administrative language remains common despite growing plain language interest.

Canada has led plain language efforts since the 1990s, with national organisations, government guidance, and standards aligning with ISO and expanding across sectors.

In the 2010s, Brazil’s plain language movement grew slowly, later strengthened by guidelines, training, and a national standard published in 2024 which was widely adopted.

Plain language in the Flemish region has been booming since 2017. Around that time, the Flemish government started a campaign called Heerlijk Helder (“delightfully clear”).

Plain language in Australia has regained significant traction in recent years, with an increasing emphasis on clear and accessible communication across many sectors.