TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Simplified English and Plain Language From:Damien Braniff <Damien_Braniff -at- PAC -dot- CO -dot- UK> Date:Mon, 11 Jan 1999 08:43:49 +0000
As I see it both are trying to do the same thing but in slightly different
ways and for different audiences.
Simplified English essentially uses a shortened vocabulary of words which
cannot be mis-interpreted. Designed mainly for techncial information where
English is not the native language of the end user. Comes with its own
dictionary which defines exactly what each word means.
Plain English is basically about cutting superfluous verbage and not using
10 words for something that can be said with 3 (good TW?). Prime examples
are legalese, official forms etc. E.g. house contracts where you get the
party of the first part etc when they really mean vendor/buyer etc!