Harty Part 2

Overview: You can run into many problems with language. Some of them are jargon, gobbledygook, legalese, sexist/biased language.

two principles - 1) write everything clearly, straightforward, and simple
2) write in a manner that you would be comfortable speaking in

STUART CHASE - GOBBLEDYGOOK

Defined as using two or even ten words where one syllable would suffice
Long-windedness needs to be replaced by clarity, brevity and common humanity
It is odd that the Federal Security Agency is the one of the first to do so
Think of messages as two-way and most problems will be disappear
There is a time and place for long or ambiguous writing but not in Communication
Legal/Academic talk is writer-based (makes writer feel smarter)

WILLIAM ZINSSER - Writing in your Job

Often find language without humanity - writing needs to be warm and personal
This can be achieved through the use of "I" and active verbs
Jargon is used as a crutch - let it go
Remember the four articles of faith
Clarity
Simplicity
Brevity
Humanity

ALAN SIEGEL - Plain English

Make functional documents functional (i.e. Leases, Mortgages, and Policies)
Plain English laws have been passed in New York (in the 70's)
makes this seem dated
Have they been effective?

MARK MATHEWSON - Critique of a Critique

Didn't seem like a good example itself
It was hard to follow
Author came across as pompous

University of Wisconsin - Guide to Non-sexist language

Would you like it said about you? (the golden rule)
Balanced Language - explicit, active words that avoid generalizations
tip - eliminate pronouns
they think "Sportsmanship" is sexist?

GWYNETH OLOFSSON - International Communication and Language

There are huge differences in language and culture across the world
Err on the side of formality and correctness
Try to get to know the language/culture you will be dealing with!