Interesting to read Joe cutting's experience of using a glossary in an exhibition context.
I think that if one finds oneself using the glossary to explain every other word, the whole text may need to be reconsidered.
For Parks & Gardens UK, I was very clear that text should always be written in predominantly plain English and the only specialist words we could include in the glossary were those relating to historical gardens and designed landscapes. Other words had to have an explanation elegantly incorporated.
We also tried to write very clear definitions and concise definitions for the glossary (I find it very irritating when a word is defined by another word that seems equally unintelligible).
I have always aimed for clear English in any written material that will be read by a non-specialist audience. The challenge is to write it in a way that does not unduly annoy those with the specialist knowledge. I think that a glossary in digital text is an excellent compromise, allowing the main text to be more concise and easier to read.
It may be that the way in which the words linked to a glossary entry are presented makes a difference - in addition to how well the text is written.
Janet
Janet E Davis
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