Pan-Hispanic Plain Language and Accessible Language Network: Promoting Clarity in the Spanish Language
Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate and access vital information.
With the purpose of eliminating barriers to understanding, the Pan-Hispanic Network for Clear and Accessible Language was created by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) in 2022, together with other academies in the Spanish-speaking world.
The project advocates for a clear and understandable Spanish, encouraging public and private institutions to collaborate to create easily understandable texts, which impacts transparency, citizen participation and access to information in Spanish-speaking society.
What is the Pan-Hispanic Plain and Accessible Language Network?
The Pan-Hispanic Network for Clear and Accessible Language is an initiative of the RAE, in collaboration with other Spanish language academies, which seeks to promote the use of clear, direct and accessible Spanish in official communications.
Its main objective is to eliminate confusion arising from the excessive use of technical terms, formalisms and specialized jargon that hinder the understanding of key documents.
Importance of Plain Language in Society
Clear language ensures that citizens can access the information they need to exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities.
Complexity in texts can negatively affect people, generating uncertainty and errors in interpretation.
In this sense, clear language fosters inclusion and improves the relationship between citizens and institutions.
The Benefits of Clear Language in Public Documents
- Transparency: Eliminates ambiguity, generating trust in citizens by understanding the information provided.
- Accessibility: Reduces the knowledge gap, allowing more people to access and understand key information.
- Efficiency: Reduces queries and clarifications, optimizing processes.
- Social inclusion: Ensures that information is understandable to all, promoting inclusion.
Key Principles of Plain Language
The success of this network depends on fundamental principles that ensure clarity in the texts:
- Clarity: Short and precise sentences.
- Logical structure: Information organized in an accessible manner.
- Consistency: Uniform use of style and terminology.
- Focus on the reader: Language familiar to the reader, explaining complex concepts.
The Participation of the Institutions in the Pan-Hispanic Network
The network invites public and private institutions to collaborate in this effort.
Governments and public entities play a crucial role, as they are primarily responsible for creating documents that directly affect citizens.
Collaboration with the private sector is also critical in areas such as financial services, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Future Perspectives of the Pan-Hispanic Plain Language and Accessible Language Network
As more countries and institutions join the network, it is expected that plain language will become the norm in the public and private spheres.
This will improve the relationship between the state and citizens, contributing to the creation of more inclusive and just societies.
Facilitating Comprehension with the Pan-Hispanic Guide
In addition to the efforts of the Network, there is also a tool powered by artificial intelligence that facilitates the understanding of any type of writing, such as reports or court rulings.
This tool, known as the Pan-Hispanic Guidehelps users to obtain clear and simple explanations of complex texts, making the information more accessible to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is plain language? It is a style of writing that allows anyone to easily understand a text.
- Why is it important in public documents? Ensures that citizens understand the information essential to exercising their rights.
- Which institutions can be part of the Network? Any institution committed to clarity and accessibility in communication.
- How is plain language promoted? Short sentences, simple vocabulary and a focus on the reader.
- What are the benefits of plain language? It improves understanding, fosters transparency and promotes social inclusion.
- Who can benefit? Everyone, especially those with reading comprehension difficulties.
Conclusion
The creation of the Pan-Hispanic Network for Clear and Accessible Language marks an important step towards clearer and more accessible communication.
With the support of governments, educational institutions and businesses, this network promises to transform the way Spanish-speaking institutions communicate with citizens, contributing to more inclusive and participatory societies.