Democratic New Maid

In 2010, the so -called " Act on a simple letter" appeared in the USA. This is one of the most eloquent examples of the trend, outlined in several English-speaking countries in the 1970s. The act prescribes a simplification of the language of state documents, that is, the abandonment of clerical jargon and syntax in favor of the common and understandable style. “Everyone” means not only some national community, but also the gradation of the simplicity of style, depending on which group of the population, first of all, the text is designed. The ideological subtext of this initiative is in line with the general rhetoric about the “transparency and accountability of the government”, with which President Obama came to power. It is assumed that the government should not only publish its documents for public viewing, but also do so that everyone can understand them. The practical meaning is that the decrease in the language barrier between the state and the public allows you to improve mutual understanding and makes official documents more effective - because everyone can familiarize themselves (and take into account), without fear of migrating in bureaucratic stamps.

In accordance with this law, a large state project has appeared, dedicated to the introduction of this simple language. The project provides detailedinstructions that explain how to write texts in a simple language, and trainings for those who need to learn this, as well as, in fact, justification, why all this is needed. One of the first principles of simple writing, according to the instructions , is a focus on a specific audience. A simple text is emphasized there - this is not a text for fools, but a text that is understandable to the one to whom it is addressed. If the message is addressed to the candidates of sciences, then do not write it in a style designed for eighth graders. In order to prevent mistakes in how to contact the addressee, you must first know what the audience is, and for this it is necessary to study it first.

Nevertheless, there are more general instructions regarding the state text designed for any audience. The sentences should not be long, the words must be selected by commonly used; Excessive structures and stationery should be avoided, which in fact do not add anything, but preventing them from capturing meaning. This also includes the format of appeal: if the decree, for example, is addressed to some group of citizens, then you need to contact these citizens directly, and not in the third person. Thus, the legislative text becomes not so much a means of negotiations on citizens between various state departments as a means of direct communication between departments and citizens. In addition, in addition to the general description of the authors, they are called upon to use examples, so that readers immediately understand what specific situations the government initiative belongs to. As necessary, you can even use explanatory illustrations.

In addition to the briefing, on the site you can also find a base of examples of texts - relevant and inappropriate to requirements. Finally, it is assumed that the process of forming a simple language continues, in connection with which there are understanding ratings that allow us to draw conclusions.

For all the scale of the project, this is only one example. The initiative at the federal level crowned the long -term campaign of some departments for the reform of the official style, and this is only in the United States. A similar reform is also held in Australia - new state programs and bills there are also trying to write in “simple language”. The simplicity of the language here, however, is interpreted much more concise than in American briefing. Break the syntax into simple sentences, do not use jargon if possible, but only the terms necessary for accuracy, and everyday words. The location of the text on the page and the selection of the font to which it are typed are considered to be important factors of intelligibility.

In the UK, the theme of the political language was also affected by J. Orwell in his essay “ Politics and English” (1946), which later quoted and discussed a lot in application to modern realities. In particular, there is the idea that the near -political and political language has a large number of tools in order to hide the true meaning of the text or its complete meaninglessness. In particular, Orwell cited as an example such tools to give weightiness as a passive deposit of verbs and the use of words of Greco-Latin origin instead of those available in the language and quite common German synonyms.

In 1979, the organization of Plain English Campaign appeared in Britain. Being a commercial company engaged in editing texts and teaching writing, it was also the ideological leader of the already non -profit campaign to simplify the state language. Then, the confused and incomprehensible speech of politicians began to regularly brand the word “gobbledygook” (approximately translated as “abracadabra” or “bird tongue”). Although PEC enjoyed the support of politicians, in particular Margaret Thatcher, her activities did not result in any summary of the legislative initiative, as in Australia or the USA. However, her judgments still have weight, and it is customary to take them seriously. For example, in 2011, the PEC criticized the British meteoro for the fact that they say the “probability of rain” (Probabilites of Precipitation), instead of saying in the simple way “Rain IS Likely” (Rain IS). The meteoro considered it necessary to answer this and explained to their defense that “precipitation” implies not only rain and not just rain, but rain, drizzle, snow, snow with rain, etc.