Learn how to write straightforward texts
Throughout the programme, theoretical and practical aspects of language and communication are integrated. Courses and seminars are given in, for example, text linguistics, discourse analysis, pragmatics, Swedish grammar, rhetoric, psycholinguistics and language technology. Independent essay projects are carried out by the University in collaboration with different public organisations and private companies. The students are trained in communication through writing courses and professional practice. From the programme, the students learn how to write clear, precise, straightforward Swedish, tailored to the reader's needs.

Wide job market
Upon graduating from the programme, the participants receive a University Diploma in Swedish Consultancy. Consultants often work on the permanent staff of different public and private organisations or on a free-lance basis.

What has happened since last time?

We now arrive at the second question of our presentation: What has happened in the past two years, since we talked about Sweden at the Houston conference? Well, apart from still doing all the things we have just talked about, there are three things that are new and essential for plain language work in Sweden. Firstly, we have now organized our efforts to influence the style of language used in the European Union. Secondly, we have developed a new tool, the Plain Language Test. And thirdly, a Government Committee has presented an Action Programme for the Swedish language.

As we have said, much progress has been made in Sweden when it comes to introducing plain language in the legislation. But we feel that much of this is threatened by the influence of the European Union, i.e., Union Regulations and Directives that need to be incorporated in Swedish law are often written in a style that we find anything but plain, clear and reader-friendly. For many years we have been aware of the fact that something ought to be done to change the structure and style of these documents. But how? We have written articles, we have talked about it on many occasions. But those efforts were not powerful enough, not focused enough.