How many languages do you know and use to speak and write? One, two, three or even more? Well, I think it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you are understood and able to understand your fellow human beings by means of the language(s) at your disposal.
 

Actually, let me claim that it’s enough to know and use one kind of language. No, I don’t mean body language, that is, gestures, facial expressions and the like. The language I’m talking about is termed “plain language” in the English-speaking world. In Finland it’s called “selkokieli”, which literally means “clear language”.
 

But what is “plain language”? In short, it might be defined as a language by which it’s possible to put things clearly and, thus, ease understanding between people. Plain language aims to refrain from complicated grammar and vocabulary. It usually emphasises a simple logic and coherency in the structure of texts and conversations.

I guess you might agree that, for instance, it can be quite hard to make sense of articles written by scientists, or “come to terms” with speeches of politicians and lawyers. Maybe you have experienced difficulties listening to a clerk explaining to you the tax system or filling out forms at social security and health insurance organisations.

Texts produced by journalists are normally easy, but there are plenty of other examples showing that common and institutional language can be difficult to understand. At times this is even justifiable, like in the texts of poets or songwriters. But in general it’s advisable to use a kind of language that can be easily grasped by everyone.

But who does actually use plain language? Where is it spoken or read? How can one find out more about it? In Finland plain language is used by people having difficulties in reading and writing, for example, aged and disabled people, as well as foreigners. Several organisations provide newsletters, books, web pages or other services in plain language. The most comprehensive one in Finland is accessible on the Internet (http://papunet.net/selko).

A special service for immigrants and people learning Finnish is the radio news of the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE. The radio news is broadcast daily on YLE Radio Suomi (in Oulu 97,3 FM), but is also available online (http://www.yle.fi/selko). The news is read more slowly than usually. In addition, the texts of the latest radio news can be found on YLE’s web pages.


Links & Further References