Context
- Recently, New Zealand has passed the Plain Language Bill, which requires bureaucrats to use simple, easily understood language while communicating with the public.
About
- With the law, which banishes jargon and complicated English words, New Zealand is aiming to become a more inclusive democracy and help people who speak English as their second language, those with disabilities, and the less educated.
- According to the Bill, plain language is defined as “appropriate to the intended audience” and “clear, concise, and well organised”.
- Though the Plain Language Act does not specify which language constitutes a “plain language”, the Act is intended for the use of “plain English”.
Implementation and challenges
- Under the Plain Language Act, a public service agency must annually report its compliance with the plain language use requirement to the Commissioner.
- The Commissioner, in turn, must annually report the compliance of agencies to the Minister of Public Service.
- The Act further instructs the Minister of Public Service to present a copy of the report to the House of Representatives within 20 business days of receiving it.
- Although the Act is legally binding once it receives royal assent, the Plain Language Act does not confer a legal right or impose a legal obligation that is enforceable in a court of law, on any person.
Source: TH
