Good morning, folks!
Thanks to everyone who responded to my message about simultaneous plain
language interpretation. There were some interesting ideas, although it
seems no one has actually produced a totally effective method yet.
I suspect, from some of the answers I received, that we are talking about
different situations and two kinds of plain language. We may be in some
ways at cross purposes in this discussion, and I apologise if I led people
in one direction by describing my colleague's experience at a conference.
There are situations in which I think plain language is not feasible. Many
conferences do not and cannot always provide topics which can be understood
by an average lay-person, let alone someone with an intellectual
disability. (Although some academics could make their presentations more
effective by being less obscure!) And then there are conferences intended
to be more inclusive, in which language may be easy enough for an
"average", non-academic audience, but which are still not easy for people
with intellectual disabilities. Some conferences may include both
academic-type presentations and lay ones, in which case, maybe
accessibility should be rated for each presentation ahead of time.
There are also public events, such as community meetings to discuss funding
cutbacks, public transportation services, housing or health issues, in
which everyone should be able to participate. It is these meetings I am
particularly interested in improving for people with intellectual
disabilities. Decisions made at these meetings will often have a direct
impact on them.
I am often surprised and depressed at how many people think they are using
plain language, when they are not. Even people working in this profession
are seldom aware of how inaccessible their language is. This is especially
the case in public speaking, when we are trying to express an opinion or
give information while excited or nervous. We will use our normal
vocabulary and speak as fast, or even faster, than normal. This excludes
many people with disabilities, even though that was not our intention. I
know! I have spent years trying to practise speaking plainly in small
groups or one-on-one situations, and I still find I must frequently repeat
myself using simpler words. There are also inherent difficulties, when
dealing with abstract topics. Often it is extremely hard to find a way to
explain something in simple terms. Try making human rights a simple
concept, for example.
I love the ideas about nerf balls, graphic facilitators, and "please
explain" signs at conferences intended to be accessible. Next time I give a
presentation, I shall come prepared for foam rubber missiles! Pre-selection
by the intended listeners and prepared synopses are also a good idea,
although that is no guarantee that the speech will be understandable, and
that still won't address spontaneous interchanges.
I am not sure yet how a plain language simulataneous interpretation service
would look, as the problems are somewhat different from foreign language
interpretation services. But isn't it exciting to think about the
possibilities?
Thanks again everyone
Janet Pringle
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