1st Edition
Plain Language and Ethical Action A Dialogic Approach to Technical Content in the 21st Century
Plain Language and Ethical Action examines and evaluates principles and practices of plain language that technical content producers can apply to meet their audiences’ needs in an ethical way. Applying the BUROC framework (Bureaucratic, Unfamiliar, Rights-Oriented, and Critical) to identify situations in which audiences will benefit from plain language, this work offers in-depth profiles show how six organizations produce effective plain-language content. The profiles show plain-language projects done by organizations ranging from grassroots volunteers on a shoe-string budget, to small nonprofits, to consultants completing significant federal contacts. End-of-chapter questions and exercises provide tools for students and practitioners to reflect on and apply insights from the book. Reflecting global commitments to plain language, this volume includes a case study of a European group based in Sweden along with results from interviews with plain-language experts around the world, including Canada, England, South Africa. Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand.
This work is intended for use in courses in information design, technical and professional communication, health communication, and other areas producing plain language communication. It is also a crucial resource for practitioners developing plain-language technical content and content strategists in a variety of fields, including health literacy, technical communication, and information design.
List of Figures
List of Tables
Series Editor Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Understanding Plain Language and Opportunities to Use It
Chapter 2. Overview of Ethics in the Technical and Professional Communication Literature
Chapter 3. Perspectives on Plain Language and Ethics from Professionals around the World
Chapter 4. Profile: Healthwise, Inc.
Chapter 5. Profile: Civic Design
Chapter 6. Profile: Restyling the Federal Rules of Evidence
Chapter 7. Profile: CommonTerms
Chapter 8. Profile: Health Literacy Missouri
Chapter 9. Profile: Kleimann Communication Group and TILA-RESPA Documentation
Chapter 10. Public Examples of Dialogic Communication in Clear Language in the 21st Century
Chapter 11. Conclusion
References
Biography
Russell Willerton teaches in the technical communication program at Boise State University. He has published articles on visual communication, white papers in high-tech industries, and online health information.
This book offers a thoroughgoing examination of the reciprocal relationship of plain language and dialogic ethics in technical communication. The reviews of research here are perceptive and meticulous, the interviews with international communicators are provocative, and the organization profiles are instructive and inspiring. Willerton offers us a promising portrait of the field—of clear and simple words making the lives of people better in theory and in practice. Sam Dragga, Professor, Texas Tech University
In this deeply researched and yet absolutely practical book, Willerton presents a thorough and fascinating consideration of issues of ethics and plain language. You'll want to review his six case studies, learn his BUROC model, and think deeply about the questions he raises. Whether you are a teacher, student, or writing professional, you will find this book adds a critical dimension to your approach to all your work. Dr. Janice (Ginny) Redish, author, Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works
Skeptical at first, Willerton’s book changed how I think about plain language. Russell accumulates evidence and events; national and global sites; and learned and organizational perspectives that make plain language and its implementation an irresistible addition to the field. Plain language is an important element of professional and technical communication, an assertion I am confident making only after reading Plain Language and Ethical Action.
Obfuscation beware! Michael J. Salvo, Associate Professor, Purdue University
Plain Language and Ethical Action is a refreshing synthesis of the informal conversations we’ve been having about what makes plain language a movement rather than simply a process or technique. I don’t hesitate to recommend this book to clear communication proponents. Iva Cheung
This book is a timely and needed reinvigoration of plain language within TPC research...The book closely aligns scholars and practice. For Willerton, TPC is a rhetorical and humanistic enterprise, and plain language can help to advance the profession's broader ethical commitment to clear, accessible communication. Kira Dreher, IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
The book empower[s] writers and users to work together in producing technically accurate and ethically sound documents.
Donald R. Roccomini, Santa Clara University
