Petition wording:
We
call on the National Assembly for Wales to develop a plain English/Cymraeg Clir
policy for all their communications, and separately call on the National
Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to develop such a policy so
that the language used is clear and understandable at all times.
Double speak, unnecessary lawyer speak and the use of acronyms and
unintelligible jargon, both in written form and verbally in the Senedd chamber,
discourages politics in Wales from being as inclusive and accessible as it
should be. A plain language policy would help to encourage more interest and
participation in the politics of Wales by all. The policy should also apply to
legal documents/bills/acts as long as they remain legally sound. As a good
example of clear understandable communication, Canolfan Bedwyr’s Cymraeg clir
template could be used as the Welsh language equivalent to the plain English
template, so that the use of Welsh, whether in original reports or as
translated material, is relevant, modern and understandable, and not merely a
literal unintelligible slavish dictionary translation of the English version.
There is a duty on the Assembly and Government of Wales to make sure all
governing decisions affecting Wales are understood by all, whatever language is
used.
Petition raised by: Sovereign Wales
Date petition first considered by Committee: 14 May 2013
Number of signatures: 11