Plain language translations for nonprofits involve translating written or verbal content into clear, simple and easily understandable language, focusing on the diverse and often multicultural communities that nonprofits serve. The aim is to eliminate barriers, ensuring that information about the nonprofit’s mission, services and initiatives is accessible to a broad audience.
Key features of plain language translations for nonprofits include:
- Simplicity: Straightforward language and uncomplicated sentences convey information without unnecessary complexity. Clarity is essential to ensure that translated content is easily understood by people with varying levels of language skills.
- Sensitivity: Consider cultural nuances to ensure that translated content is not only linguistically accurate but also culturally appropriate for the diverse communities served by nonprofits.
- Accessibility: The translation process prioritizes accessibility, making sure that people with different language backgrounds can readily comprehend the information. This is particularly important for nonprofits where reaching a wide and diverse audience is crucial.
- Inclusivity: Plain language translations aim to be inclusive, addressing the needs of individuals who might have limited proficiency in the organization’s primary language. This inclusivity aligns with the nonprofit sector’s commitment to serve diverse communities.
- Practical: The translated content is designed to be practical, helping people understand the nonprofit’s messages, services and calls to action without confusion or misinterpretation.
Meet their needs
Plain language in nonprofit communication serves to meet the reader’s needs, minimize frustration, and prevent misunderstandings. Achieving this goal involves using simpler language, building straightforward sentences, and organizing content to convey messages clearly and concisely.
The benefits of incorporating plain language in nonprofit communications are manifold. It not only saves valuable time and resources, particularly in translations, but also enhances the organization’s trustworthiness. The use of obscure language can be interpreted as an attempt to conceal information, while plain language promotes transparency. Moreover, it significantly increases accessibility, ensuring that a broader audience can benefit from and comprehend the information being shared.
The key to successful plain language communication lies in adopting an audience-first approach. When crafting content, nonprofits should consider aspects of their audience, including age, profession, education and specific information needs. Understanding what readers know and what they hope to accomplish with the material is crucial.
Design right
While plain language may initially seem focused solely on written content, the visual design of documents is equally vital in nonprofit communications. Elements such as layout, typography and informative graphics play a significant role in the overall clarity and understanding of the information presented.
For policy documents or instructional materials, plain language becomes a valuable ally for nonprofits. Clearly written content inspires trust, builds legitimacy, and leads to increased compliance. This stands in stark contrast to convoluted and obscure language, which might undermine trust and hinder understanding.
Even among professionals, the use of plain language remains valuable. Regardless of their expertise, professionals appreciate content that is clear, concise and easy to comprehend.
Focus on clarity and conciseness
When creating content, these tips lead to clarity and conciseness:
- Choose simple words.
- Keep sentences between 15 and 20 words on average, with individual sentences not exceeding 30 to 35 words.
- Use active voice over passive.
- Minimize jargon and, if necessary, provide clear explanations.
- Use personal pronouns and adopt a formal yet conversational writing style.
Layout in nonprofit documents also matters. Leave ample white space to break up text, select a reader-friendly typeface, and maintain contrast between text and background. Pay attention to spacing between lines and paragraphs, aligning it with the typeface size.
When structuring nonprofit documents, ask questions about common writing structures, reader familiarity and flow. This approach ensures that the design is reader-friendly and easy to understand.
Test and try again
Evaluation is an integral part of the nonprofit document creation process. While thorough assessments may not always be feasible, using checklists or seeking feedback, including from potential audience members, can elevate the effectiveness of nonprofit communication.
Bottom line: Plain language translations promote inclusivity, enhance communications, and empower people to make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and accessible society.
Do you need help with plain language translations in English and then other languages? Hook Multilingual provides plain language services including content creation and translations. Contact us at info@hookmultilingual.com.
