ISO 24495-1:2023 is the first part of the Plain Language series, and we’ll be talking about its Governing Principles and Guidelines today. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) established the plain language standard ISO 24495-1:2023. This standard aims to enhance written communication across various disciplines, including legal, governmental, medical, commercial, and other sectors. Organisations may make their communication practises more inclusive, productive, and effective by adhering to the standard’s guiding concepts and regulations.
The norm prioritises the target audience’s requirements, interests, expertise, and literacy levels. Its primary goal is to make it simple for readers to access, digest, and apply the data presented. The standard emphasises the user experience’s importance and that plain English is more than just a set of readability formulae and mechanical metrics.
Numerous studies have shown the advantages of switching to simple language, which includes:
- Helping people and businesses save money and time.
- Having more positive results.
- Gaining the confidence of the audience.
Documents written in straightforward English are more accessible to translate than those written in jargon.
The ISO 24495-1:2023 standard offers guiding principles and recommendations for creating documents in simple English. Anyone engaged in or supporting the creation of documents, including those aimed at the general public, technical writing, the drafting of legislation, and the usage of restricted languages, is subject to this rule. The guideline applies to most written languages, even if most examples are English.
The standard doesn’t apply to speech, but to written and computer-based texts. Podcasters and videomakers are not obvious recipients, but they may still learn something useful. Accessibility guidelines for digital documents are also missing from the standard. However, standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and EN 301 549 are available to help writers of digital documents ensure their work is accessible to people with disabilities.
A working group under Technical Committee 37 of the ISO, comprised of 50 plain language specialists from 16 different nations, created ISO 24495-1:2023. The International Plain Language Federation helped in the standard’s creation and promotion. The standard may be bought directly from the ISO shop or the national standards body.
The flexibility of this standard allows it to be utilised in various languages and regions. For translation and localisation assistance, the International Plain Language Federation has established a specialised team, known as the Localisation and Implementation body. This team’s efforts aid in the wider acceptance and approval of the standard by national standards agencies.
Finally, ISO 24495-1:2023 lays the foundation for improving written communication using plain language techniques. Organisations that follow this standard assist readers and communication specialists working in various fields and tongues by increasing accessibility, efficiency, and user experience.
