News
Plain English campaign news articles
Loss in translation
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- Created on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 14:58
Councils who waste taxpayers’ millions on unnecessary translation have been heavily criticised by a senior government minister.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles ridiculed the amounts spent on translation services and bemoaned a culture that could spend £600 on translating a glossy magazine into Urdu for a single complainant.
New corporate membership logo
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- Created on Thursday, 07 March 2013 15:35
We have re-designed our corporate membership logo.
If you are a corporate member and would like to receive the updated logo, please let us know at info@plainenglish.co.uk, along with your membership number and we will send you an updated copy.
Please note that you are free to continue using the older logo if you wish.
X-rated study on confusing medical terms: Plain English Campaign prescribes cure
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- Created on Thursday, 10 January 2013 10:05
Complex medical jargon and unclear diagnoses could put lives at risk, according to new research.
A study has found that nearly half of working-age people cannot understand or use everyday health information.
Those with poor reading skills and the biggest health problems are thought to be most at risk.
Read more: X-rated study on confusing medical terms: Plain English Campaign prescribes cure
Plain English Day 2012
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- Created on Tuesday, 04 December 2012 13:48
It's Plain English Day on Friday, 14 December.
Each year, we present awards for the best and worst examples of English. The main awards recognise organisations and individuals who have genuinely made an effort to present themselves using clear and concise English. The infamous 'Golden Bull' and 'Foot in Mouth' awards inject a sense of mischief into the proceedings. All the award winners can expect to receive media coverage.
Chrissie takes up arms against voice recognition
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- Created on Wednesday, 07 November 2012 09:57
Following reports that Birmingham City Council's automated phone system is unable to recognise Birmingham accents, Chrissie Maher, our founder commented:-
"The millions of pounds which goes into building these systems is just stupid.
Anyone calling a rent arrears department will be anxious and upset anyway but to then have their voice not recognised because of their accent is awful.
The Brummie accent is instantly recognisable and should be celebrated. You can bet the people who developed these systems are posh or from London."
Media coverage:-
