ABSTRACT
In this chapter the concept of plain language is introduced, also looking at the way the expression is translated into other languages. It is pointed out that in this volume the focus will be on written – rather than oral – forms of law-related communication. An examination of the theoretical background to plain language follows, highlighting the theme areas listed below:
language planning and how this relates to plain language;
the concept of popularisation, where the similarities and differences with respect to plain language are underlined;
digitalisation, design, and accessibility of information and how these phenomena have influenced what is meant by plain language in the 21st century;
the ethical dimension of plain language, based on the idea that those who are unable to comprehend an official text that concerns them are inherently disadvantaged: hence the need to redress the balance;
an audience-based approach to plain language, where it is observed that there may sometimes be a discrepancy between who the actual readers of written legal communication are with respect to who they are sometimes thought to be by drafters of legally binding texts.
The chapter concludes with a few brief remarks on the “easification” of legal texts.
