The way we communicate health, legal, and technical information matters more than ever. Organizations operating in regulated industries, such as life sciences, healthcare, finance, or public services, are under increasing pressure to ensure their content is accessible to all users, regardless of their language, literacy level, or cognitive ability. This is where Plain Language and Easy Language come in.
But are these two approaches the same thing? At first glance, they might appear similar—both aim to simplify communication and reduce barriers to understanding. However, in this blog, we’ll unpack the differences, explore when and why each is used, and explain how incorporating both into your communication strategy can help you build more inclusive, effective, and compliant content.
What is Plain Language?
Plain Language is a method of communication designed to make information clear and easy to understand for a wide audience. Its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand it, and use that information.
Key characteristics of Plain Language:
- Expresses one concept per paragraph and employs short, active-voice sentences
- Uses punctuation to simplify sentences at a grammatical level
- Structures the sentences using coherence connectors
- Uses commonly known words instead of jargon, technical terms, acronyms, or realia
- Structures content clearly with headings, bullet points, and visual hierarchy
- Designed for people with average reading skills (usually a high school level)
Plain Language is significant in sectors like healthcare, where misunderstanding can directly impact patient safety. For example, pharmaceutical labeling and instructions for use (IFUs) are required to be written in Plain Language under regulations such as the EU MDR and FDA guidance.
What is Easy Language (or Easy-to-Read)?
Easy Language—sometimes called Easy-to-Read or Easy Read—is a more specialized form of simplified language. It is developed specifically for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, low literacy skills, or for those who are not yet fluent in a language.
Key characteristics of Easy Language:
- Uses very simple words and short sentences (often no more than 10-15 words)
- Includes supportive visuals like icons or pictures
- Avoids idioms, metaphors, and complex grammar
- Text is often formatted in large fonts and high-contrast layouts
Easy Language is guided by international standards such as the guidelines set by Inclusion Europe or the European Easy-to-Read framework. It is crucial for improving access to public services, legal rights, and health information for vulnerable populations.
Plain Language vs. Easy Language: Key Differences
While both Plain and Easy Language aim to improve accessibility, they serve different purposes and audiences.
| Feature | Plain Language | Easy Language |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | General public with average reading skills | People with cognitive disabilities or very low literacy |
| Sentence Length | Short, but flexible | Very short (1 idea per sentence) |
| Vocabulary | Common words, minimal jargon | Very simple words, no jargon |
| Grammar | Simple, but not overly restrictive | Extremely simplified |
| Visuals | Optional, may use charts or icons | Essential, includes illustrations or symbols |
| Formatting | Clear structure, headings, bullets | Highly structured, large font, high contrast |
Plain Language improves communication for everyone. Easy Language ensures access for those with the highest communication barriers.
When Should Organizations Use Plain Language and Easy Language?
Knowing when to use each approach is crucial for effective communication and compliance.
Use Plain Language when:
- Creating documents for a broad public audience
- Translating product information for multilingual markets
- Writing regulatory documents or informed consent forms
- Producing patient education materials
Use Easy Language when:
- Developing content for people with intellectual or learning disabilities
- Designing accessible websites for public services
- Creating materials for elderly populations or language learners
- Complying with accessibility regulations (e.g., WCAG, EU Web Accessibility Directive)
Many organizations benefit from applying both strategies in parallel. For example, a hospital might use Plain Language for general patient brochures and Easy Language versions for patients with cognitive impairments.
How Translation and Accessibility Services Boost Inclusion
Implementing Plain and Easy Language across multilingual audiences requires more than a direct translation. Literal translation can introduce jargon, idioms, or cultural mismatches that reduce clarity.
Win & Winnow supports organizations by:
- Rewriting content into Plain Language before translation
- Adapting content into Easy Language for various cognitive and literacy levels
- Ensuring cultural relevance in both text and visuals
- Applying accessibility standards to digital and printed formats
- Testing materials with target audiences to ensure comprehension
Multilingual Plain and Easy Language content is particularly valuable in the life sciences, where regulatory labeling, informed consent, patient instructions, and digital health tools must be accessible to diverse populations. Our team works closely with clients to maintain clarity, compliance, and cultural sensitivity.
Let’s make your content accessible, accurate, and inclusive!
Plain Language and Easy Language are not the same, but both are essential tools in the accessibility toolkit. Whether you’re a life sciences company launching a medical device, a government agency issuing public health guidance, or a healthcare provider offering multilingual services, using the right form of accessible language matters.
At Win & Winnow, we help you choose the right language strategy for your audience, adapt your content to meet international standards, and ensure your message is heard—by everyone. Let’s talk.
