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This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on March 16, 2022 as part of the Plain Language Foundations series. Check out the notes below or access the webinar recording and slides.
Grounding thought
As a writer and former elected official, I believe in the power of words. We must use words to uplift and include. We can use our words to fight back against oppression and hate. But we must also channel our words into action.
Stacey Abrams, politician/activist/author/lawyer
Background information
We talked about two key types of vocabulary common in writing and related challenges
Tier II Words (words more common in reading vs. speaking)
We need to aggregate this data…
We need to assemble a committee…
The predominant opinion is that…
These words can apply to lots of situations
Folx need to know upward of 95-98% of words in a text to comprehend it
There are often more common substitutes that may work just fine
Tier III Words (jargon + sector specific language)
Science: surveillance, vaccine
Law: pro se, ad litem
Workforce: labor market info, WIOA
These words are connected to a specific topic or domain
Sometimes they can be helpful to know and be a needed tool to advocate for oneself
Sometimes jargon can overwhelm people and make them feel like they are not welcome in the “conversation”
Big takeaways
Words matter for many reasons:
Do we work alongside our audience to identify important content and terms?
Do we explain new terms or concepts adequately? Do we take care to avoid overwhelming people with unnecessary jargon or content?
Do we consider the impact of words beyond literal definitions? How do words make people feel?
Do we rely on euphemisms to avoid addressing complex social issues?
More resources
Book: Words Matter by Sally McGonnell-Ginnet
Book: Oxford Guide to Plain Language by Martin Cutts
Style Guide: A Progressive’s Style Guide from Sum of Us
Website: The Language Project by The Marshall Project
Website: Words Matter from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
Website: Using Simple Words and Phrases from Plainlanguage.gov
Website: Academic Word List from RMIT University
Interested in learning more about professional development at Clear Language Lab? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.
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