P-04-483 A plain English /Cymraeg clir policy for all Welsh Assembly and Government communications

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