ABSTRACT
This conclusion chapter presents some closing thoughts covered in preceding chapters of this book. It reported responses to the Bureaucratic, Unfamiliar, Rights Oriented, and Critical (BUROC) framework from an international group of plain-language experts. The chapter indicates that plain language is an ethical concern, a point of view that differs from that of Brockmann. In the years since Brockmann's statement, the plain-language movement has grown considerably around the world, and supporters of plain language have cited its many benefits. Nevertheless, the link between plain language and ethics goes beyond mere utility or effectiveness. The literature on ethics in technical communication and in plain language identifies principles that professionals should follow to treat their audiences with respect and to behave responsibly. Many of the professionals thought that the BUROC framework, had good potential to help plain-language writers in their work. Healthwise employs medical reviewers with significant experience treating patients and employs many managers and writers who have worked in clinical roles.
