Almost 95% of adults want Government to cut the jargon

The plain people of Ireland want plain English — and that’s official.

Research commissioned by the National Adult Literacy Agency found that almost 95% of Irish adults are in favour of doing away with jargon, small print, and gobbledygook.

Almost half of them (48%) find official documents — including information from the Government — difficult to understand. They also find jargon, terms and conditions, and financial information challenging.

This was revealed yesterday as details of a new petition was launched in Dublin calling for plain English to be used by the Government.

The petition asks the Taoiseach to ensure that all public information produced by Government and its agencies is written in plain English.

The literacy agency describes plain English as a style of writing and presenting information that helps the reader to understand it the first time they read it. “It involves using short, clear sentences and everyday words. It does not use small print or unnecessary jargon,” the organisation said.

The agency wants people to sign the petition to help it raise the issue with the Government and promote the use of plain English in Government information to the public.

“Both citizens and governments benefit from clear information, written in plain English,” said agency director Inez Bailey.

“That’s why we recommend that all public information produced by Government and its agencies is written in plain English.”

The petition calls for public information such as letters, forms and information leaflets to be written in plain English. This means:

- Using everyday words where possible;

- Explaining specialised words if they can’t be avoided;

- Keeping sentences to about 15-20 words;

- Using a readable font type and size.

The National Consumer Agency is supporting the initiative and, according to chief executive Karen O’Leary, providing clear information makes good business sense as it increases efficiency.

“Using plain English has helped us to provide consumers with clear and accessible information,” she said.

The literacy agency has pointed out that civil servants in Britain are not allowed indulge in the kind of jargon used by Sir Humphrey in the BBC comedy, Yes Minister.

Out goes ‘deliver’ — unless it is pizzas or post.

Officials can no longer ‘drive’ anything out (unless it is cattle) or ‘foster’ (unless it is children).

Tackling is also banned unless playing rugby or football.

The literacy agency, however, might wish to take a leaf out of its own book. In a legal statement on its website, one sentence runs to 125 words and reads:

“You expressly understand and agree that (to the fullest extent permitted by law) [the agency] shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, or any other damages whatsoever, including but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data or other intangible losses (even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages), arising out of, or resulting from: The use or the inability to use the site; the use of any content or other material on the site or any website or websites linked to the site; unauthorised access to or alteration of your transmissions or data; statements or conduct of any third party on the site; or any other matter relating to the site.”

People can sign the petition at www.nala.ie and/or www.change.org

Editing the purple prose

Standard hire-purchase contract term:

Before: Title to property in the goods shall remain vested in the Company (notwithstanding the delivery of the same to the Customer) until the price of the Goods comprised in the contract and all other money due from the Customer to the Company on any other account has been paid in full.

After: We will own the goods until you have finished paying for them.

Local authority housing manual:

Before: Should the response require considerable research before a full reply can be given, an interim reply explaining the position will be sent.

After: If we need to do a lot of research to give you a full reply, we will write to let you know.

Jargon banned in the UK:

Slimming down (processes don’t diet);

Agenda (unless it is for a meeting);

Commit/pledge (we’re either doing something or we’re not).