Plain Language Translation
and Interpreting Services
One of the guiding principles of the 2008 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is ”full and effective participation and inclusion in society“. This includes the understanding of what is being said in any given situation. Governments around the world have translated the convention into laws, e.g., the 2010 Plain Writing Act in the UK. It defines plain language as “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience“.
Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications and written documents in general. While written plain language has been in use for several years now, the oral translation into plain language is a relatively new development. It is aimed at assisting people with cognitive disabilities to understand speeches, presentations, etc. and to actively participate in conferences. Plain language interpreters accompany their clients to government offices or simultaneously translate the speakers at conferences.