Understanding Leichte Sprache

 

 

Introduction

Leichte Sprache, which translates to "easy language" in English, is a concept that originated from the United States and has since spread globally. It was established in Germany around 15 years ago by the Leichte Sprache network. Leichte Sprache is not intended to be an intellectual insult to the speaker. Instead, it aims to remove barriers for people with disabilities, allowing them to participate fully in society.

The Purpose of Leichte Sprache

Leichte Sprache aims to eliminate various barriers, including linguistic, sensory, and cognitive barriers. It is similar to wheelchair ramps, disabled parking spaces, and acoustic signals that assist disabled individuals. By simplifying language and reducing cognitive load, Leichte Sprache ensures that everyone can access and understand information. It focuses on short and simple sentences, active voice, and the avoidance of jargon and complex words. The rules for using Leichte Sprache can be found in publications, such as the Duden dictionary.

Limitations of Leichte Sprache

While Leichte Sprache simplifies language, it may not be suitable for conveying complex concepts. For example, technical or scientific articles may require more specialized language to accurately communicate ideas. Leichte Sprache is primarily intended for use in public settings, such as government offices, administrations, politics, and the judiciary. It aims to ensure that no population group is excluded from accessing important information.

Examples of Leichte Sprache

To illustrate the effectiveness of Leichte Sprache, let's compare two texts. The first text is an excerpt from a biology textbook, written in its original form:

"Auch die Büsche thematisieren die nur im Wasser lebenden Amphibienlarven. Diese erfüllen diese Aufgabe, während die Lunge der erwachsenen Tiere das Atmen an Land ermöglicht."

The second text is a simplified version in Leichte Sprache:

"Amphibien sind zum Beispiel Frösche oder Salamander. Ihre Kinder heißen Larven. Die Amphibien-Larven leben im Wasser. Die Amphibien leben an Land. Die erwachsenen Amphibien haben eine Lunge."

It is evident that the second text is more easily understood, particularly by fifth-grade students.

The Accessibility of Leichte Sprache

Leichte Sprache is primarily intended for the accessibility of information. Recently, reputable online media platforms like Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and Süddeutsche Zeitung have started presenting editorial content in a simplified manner. They use Leichte Sprache to cater to a younger audience. While this approach raises questions about whether it might be seen as patronizing, it is important to remember that the goal is to make information accessible and not to undermine anyone's intelligence.

Conclusion

Leichte Sprache is a valuable tool that helps remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. While it may have limitations in conveying complex concepts, it plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and equal access to information. By following the guidelines of Leichte Sprache, organizations can ensure that their communication is clear, concise, and easy to understand for everyone.