Government Jargon Essay Example

War II, awareness of the need to make government documents clearer was expressed by many federal employees such as John O'Hayre who recommended plain language in government documents. His book entitled Gobbledygook Has Gotta Go pinpointed the confusing language used by the government. Warren Buffet summed up plain language marvelously in a “writing tip” in the introduction to the 1998 SEC Plain English Handbook.

He stated to write with a specific person in mind, "when writing the Berkshire Hathaway annual report, I picture my sisters, highly intelligent but not experts in accounting or finance. They will understand plain English, but jargon may puzzle them.

My goal is to give the information I would wish to receive if our positions were reversed" (Locke). Implementation of plain language was advocated by a number of US Presidents, in the 1970s President Nixon decreed in writing "that the Federal Register be written in "layman's terms," in 1978 President Carter issued orders "to make government regulations cost-effective and easy-to-understand. President Clinton, in 1998 "revived plain language as a major government initiative" (Locke). "The current administration does not have a formal plain language initiative; however, a mandate for communicating clearly with the public is part of the Strategic Plan in a number of federal departments and agencies.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is home to the leader of the US Government's plain-language movement. There are monthly meetings of the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN).

Every member of PLAIN is working to ensure that the information written by federal employees is in plain language. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) realize that low health literacy combined with the increasing incidence

of chronic health problems like diabetes and obesity results in a serious public health problem. To fight these problems most effectively, they know it is more important than ever to use plain language, so consumers get information that is clear, informative, and effective in helping them improve or maintain their health" (Locke).

It is important for the Federal Government to understand that plain language has been used for a long time, but is even more important today with the increasing use of the internet and senior citizens living longer than ever before. There are even web sites totally devoted to defining jargon to help ease the confusion of government documents. The United States is not the only country implementing plain language some countries instituted plain language long before America. Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Mexico have many plain English initiatives.

Government documents are filled with "Protein Prepositions," which are expressions that only certain groups understand the meaning of such as; "toe-to-toe," "hands-on," and "to buy off on" (Predmore). The complicated documents are long-winded causing the reader to get frustrated.

"Governments are expected to be transparent, to report to the public and to communicate information in a way that the average reader can understand" (Engl 302 - Plain Language). The Medicare Beneficiary Services has created training that shows how to change correspondence sent to customers.

This was accomplished by using examples of old responses. These responses were changed to shorter and more direct letters. This program is call "Before" and "After".

Expository writing will build credibility through experience, research, and examples. They provide information such as explanations and/or directions. The subject “Government Jargon” explains

the uncertainty that comes from government documents. Expository writing includes plain language; which is writing that can be understood in a single reading.

Documents written for the government, and public websites should be written in plain language. The audience should be able to read the document without extensive research, which is the, definition of single reading.

A goal in government writing should include but are not limited to the following attributes: a. All writing must have a purpose that is clear to you as well as the reader. b. Documents must be reader-centered; that is to have your reader in mind while writing for their needs.

c.

Organize a planned and clear meaning for your intended reader. d. Documents should not run on; they should not be wordy.

e. Accuracy is a must; facts must be checked and rechecked then recorded carefully. f. Government documents often require action; all information needed to complete the act must be included for readers that are not familiar with the subject. g.

To ensure the document will be read, the design of the document must be professional and convey a tone of professionalism (Engl 302).

Todd Shields a writer for Bloomberg online reports, the U. S. government has passed the Plain Writing Act requiring "federal agencies to practice writing that the intended audience can easily "understand and use because that writing is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices of plan writing" (Shields 2009). Although, this initiative will be a costly to implement, it will be more cost effective, by eliminating wasted rereading time as well as repeated completion of the same documents. (Engl 302 - Plain Language).sE