Speketh not in the heigh style, but so pleyn at this time,
I yow preye, that we may understonde what ye seye.
—CANTERBURY TALES
AS THESE WORDS FROM GEOFFREY CHAUCER (1342–1400) show, complaints about difficult and confusing language are as old as English itself. Here is another grumble:
The ill and unfit choice of words wonderfully obstructs the understanding.
—Francis Bacon
There have also been writers who cared enough to create materials for the common people. The King James Bible, first printed in 1611, was written in plain language. We may find it hard to read now, as many words and expressions have changed meaning over the centuries, but just check out the number of one- and two-syllable words. It was intended for readers beyond just the well-educated clergy and was deliberately translated into the straightforward English of the times. Here is one example:
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
—Matthew 5, 14–15
The start of the plain language “movement”
In the 1960s and ’70s, a plain-language “movement” began and has been
picking up speed ever since. There are now active organizations in many
countries teaching and promoting plain language. Businesses are beginning
to take notice, in particular insurance and investment services. Health
services in several countries are strong advocates. Many lawyers and legal
drafters are in the forefront of improving their writing (although, as we all
know, much legal writing is still impressively tortured and unreadable).
Here are just a few details about government changes.
Sweden was one of the first countries to make a commitment to plain language at the government level and, since 1976, has had highly trained language specialists working with lawyers to ensure that all legislation is clear and understandable. For information in English, see www.regeringen.se/sb/d/4409.
In Britain, during the 1980s, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered all government departments to begin improving their forms, getting rid of some, simplifying others. They were required to give an annual report to her. Her orders came after a demonstration was held outside the Houses of Parliament staged by the Plain English Campaign and led by plain-language experts Martin Cutts and Chrissie Maher.