Fritz
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Government shall be precluded from writing the pompous gibberish heretofore evid
« on: 2011-05-20 20:03:29 » |
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Well Golly gee .... I appear to be promulgating again ....
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Fritz
U.S. bans gobbledygook in favour of plain English
Source: Globe and Mail
Author: CALVIN WOODWARD
Date: 2011.05.19
Pursuant to regulations promulgated thereunder and commencing in accordance with a statute signed herein by President Barack Obama, the government shall be precluded from writing the pompous gibberish heretofore evidenced, to the extent practicable. That sentence contains 11 new language no-nos as the U.S. government rolls out a new official language of sorts: plain English. It takes full effect in October, when federal agencies must start writing plainly in all new or substantially revised documents produced for the public. By July, each agency must have a senior official overseeing plain writing, a section of its website devoted to the effort and employee training under way.
The guidelines
“Federal writers are not supposed to be creating great literature. You are communicating requirements, how to get benefits, how to stay safe and healthy, and other information to help people in their lives. While there is no problem with being expressive, most federal writing has no place for literary flair. People do not curl up in front of the fire with a nice federal regulation to have a relaxing read.”
Banned words
Shall, pursuant, promulgated, thereunder, commencing, in accordance with, herein, precluded, heretofore, evidenced and practicable.
Word swaps
“We” instead of “the government.”
“You” instead of “citizens.”
“Please” instead of “it is requested.”
The results
Before: “Before an individual can be determined eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, it must be established that the individual is not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.”
After: “You can get financial help from Disaster Unemployment Assistance if your job was lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States.”
Associated Press
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