Two days ago, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) formally approved its first international plain language standard. The press release follows.

“The new standard will help improve written communication for everyone. All industries and sectors benefit from improved communication. This is particularly important in legal, health, public policy, government and corporate communications, where information influences critical decisions and people’s rights.

For the public, the standard aims to improve communication while promoting equity and access to information for global audiences. 

For writers and communications professionals across all sectors, the new standard provides nearly universal plain language principles, guidelines and techniques to create accessible and effective communications.

The international plain language standard was developed by a working group that is part of ISO’s Technical Committee 37. The group of 50 plain language experts, representing 16 countries, drafted and advocated for the standard, with the support of the International Plain Language Federation.”

The International Plain Language Federation set up a Localization and Implementation Committee to help people as they work to translate and localize the standard, and get it endorsed or adopted by their countries’ standards organizations.

Gael Spivak (Canada), the chair of this committee, says, “The language-neutral standard can be localized to reflect differences in languages and cultures. Members of the committee are able to talk about progress in their own countries and compare experiences, sharing what is working well.” The committee’s findings and experiences have been documented to share with others and anyone can contact the committee to get help.

Update from Professor James Archibald: There is a French version of the standard, see here.

About the International Plain Language Federation
The International Plain Language Federation was established in 2007 as a joint project of three organizations: the Center for Plain Language, Clarity and Plain Language Association International (PLAIN). The Federation is managed by a board made up of representatives of these three member organizations. The Federation’s goal is to advance plain language as a profession.

.

Hat tip to Christopher Balmford who made me aware of the release of the standard.