Re: Current wording for simple words in labels etc.

Here's an edit that puts it in SC terms.

For instructions, labels, navigational elements, and error messages, which
require a response to continue, all of the following are true:

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David MacDonald



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On Mon, Feb 20, 2017 at 11:38 AM, lisa.seeman <lisa.seeman@zoho.com> wrote:

> I think this is the currently proposed wording for Plain language. We are
> still working on a good definition of " concept in the current context" or
> we will replace that term, and we need to redo the exception with user
> testing
>
>
> Plain language: Provide clear and simple language in instructions, labels,
> navigational elements, and error messages, which require a response to
> continue, so that all of the following are true.
>
>
>    - Simple tense: Use present tense and active voice.
>    - Simple, clear, and common words: Use the most common 1500 words or
>    phrases or, provide words, phrases or abbreviations that are the are
>    most-common form to refer to the concept in the current context.
>    - Double negatives are not used.
>    - Concrete language: Non-literal language is not used, or can be
>    automatically replaced, via an easy-to-set user setting. All meaning must
>    be retained when non-literal text is replaced.
>    - Instructions: Each step in instructions is identified.
>
>
> Exceptions:
>
>    - If there are no tools available in the language of the content that
>    identify uncommon words, instructions that are longer then 400 words are
>    exempt unless they directly relate to a critical service
>    - When a passive voice or a tense (other than present tense) is
>    clearer. Other voices or tenses may be used when it has been shown, via
>    user testing, to be easier to understand, friendlier, or appropriate.
>    - In languages where present tense and active voice do not exist, or
>    are not clearer in the language of the content, use the tense and the voice
>    that are clearest for the content.
>    - When describing or discussing past or future events, the present
>    tense is not required.
>    - If the writing style is an essential part of the main function of
>    the site, such as a game, a literary work, or teaching new terms.
>    - Where less-common words are found to be easier to understand for the
>    audience. Such findings are supported by user testing that includes users
>    with cognitive disabilities.
>    - The writing-style items may be replaced for a location or a type of
>    content in which user testing has shown a more-effective writing style to
>    aid comprehension for people with cognitive disabilities. Example: content
>    written in a specific natural language.
>    - The content will be penalized for not conforming to a given writing
>    style (such as a CV, dissertation, or Ph.D. proposal).
>
>
>
>