3 Use common words
Use common words and the everyday standard meaning of those words as much as possible. Avoid uncommon words. For words that have many different meanings, use only the most common meanings. Most nonnative speakers will have small English vocabularies and access to only small pocket-size bilingual dictionaries.
A good source of common words is the Basic English vocabulary developed by K. C. Ogden. Most nonnative speakers of English will know and understand most of these words.
Compare the original text to the improved text in the example below:
Original Text (adapted from the National Electrical Code, 1987 edition )
Flammable Anesthetizing Area. Any area of the facility which has been designated to be used for the administration of any flammable inhalation anesthetic agents in the normal course of examination or treatment.
Improved Text
Flammable Anesthetizing Area. Any area of the facility where it is authorized to use flammable anesthetics during a normal examination or treatment of a patient.
3 Use terms consistently
Always use the same name for the same thing. If you have a valid technical reason to use different terms for the same thing, explain the reason to your reader, and define each term in a glossary!
Compare the original text to the improved text in the example below:
Original Text (adapted from an operator's manual of a scientific instrument)
Tighten the bolts on the cover of the vessel. Make sure that the two fittings on the head are also tight.
Improved Text
Tighten the bolts and the two fittings on the cover of the vessel.
[Editor's comment: In this context, the words "cover" and "head" mean the same thing; choose one of them, define it and use is consistently throughout your document. To enhance the comprehension of your document, you might want to list both terms in your glossary.] |
