Menu
30/07/2012
Stormont 'Gobbledygook' Cuts People Off - Campaign
Stormont politicians use "gobbledygook" in official documents to put a wall between themselves and the public, the founder of the Plain English Campaign has said.
The Belfast Telegraph newspaper sent four current consultation papers to Chrissie Maher, the woman who founded the campaign in the 1970s.
The papers were from Caral ni Chuilin's Department of Culture Arts and Learning (DCAL), Stephen Farry's Department of Employment and Learning, Nelson McCausland's Department for Social Development (DSD) and Edwin Poots' Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSP)
Ms Maher gave the highest score – a miserable six out of ten – to DCAL for its document on how best to promote the Irish language.
And she said: "The papers you showed me often use words like nine-foot walls to cut off communication. They could so easily make it easier for readers with proper editing. When people don’t want you to understand they often clothe the message in waffle, old-fashioned language and quasi legalistic words. These particular documents may have been written with the best intentions, but they don’t show proper consideration for their intended audience."
Stephen Farry's Steps to Success consultation scored just one out of ten for readability, and the Plain English Campaign team said it was "full of industry jargon and business speak" that was inappropriate for its unemployed audience.
The team believe cutting out jargon and improving the writing style in such documents would save money and boost the response rate.
(NE)
The Belfast Telegraph newspaper sent four current consultation papers to Chrissie Maher, the woman who founded the campaign in the 1970s.
The papers were from Caral ni Chuilin's Department of Culture Arts and Learning (DCAL), Stephen Farry's Department of Employment and Learning, Nelson McCausland's Department for Social Development (DSD) and Edwin Poots' Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSP)
Ms Maher gave the highest score – a miserable six out of ten – to DCAL for its document on how best to promote the Irish language.
And she said: "The papers you showed me often use words like nine-foot walls to cut off communication. They could so easily make it easier for readers with proper editing. When people don’t want you to understand they often clothe the message in waffle, old-fashioned language and quasi legalistic words. These particular documents may have been written with the best intentions, but they don’t show proper consideration for their intended audience."
Stephen Farry's Steps to Success consultation scored just one out of ten for readability, and the Plain English Campaign team said it was "full of industry jargon and business speak" that was inappropriate for its unemployed audience.
The team believe cutting out jargon and improving the writing style in such documents would save money and boost the response rate.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
15 November 2024
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
21 April 2006
Pitbull terrier seized from GAA player's home
The USPCA has seized a pit bull terrier believed to be involved in an international dog-fighting ring, from the home of a well known GAA player. The animal was taken from Tyrone GAA player, Ger Cavlan following a planned operation by the PSNI and the USPCA.
Pitbull terrier seized from GAA player's home
The USPCA has seized a pit bull terrier believed to be involved in an international dog-fighting ring, from the home of a well known GAA player. The animal was taken from Tyrone GAA player, Ger Cavlan following a planned operation by the PSNI and the USPCA.
10 June 2003
Family of murdered pensioner call for UN investigation
SDLP Mid Ulster representative Denis Haughey has backed a group of Tyrone families who have called on the United Nations rapporteur for summary executions to investigate the killings of their loved ones. Among the families being backed was that of 76-year-old Roseanne Mallon who was shot dead by loyalists on the outskirts of Dungannon in May 1994.
Family of murdered pensioner call for UN investigation
SDLP Mid Ulster representative Denis Haughey has backed a group of Tyrone families who have called on the United Nations rapporteur for summary executions to investigate the killings of their loved ones. Among the families being backed was that of 76-year-old Roseanne Mallon who was shot dead by loyalists on the outskirts of Dungannon in May 1994.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
