Plain Language and Ethical Action

This book offers a thoroughgoing examination of the reciprocal relationship of plain language and dialogic ethics in technical communication. The reviews of research here are perceptive and meticulous, the interviews with international communicators are provocative, and the organization profiles are instructive and inspiring. Willerton offers us a promising portrait of the field-of clear and simple words making the lives of people better in theory and in practice. Sam Dragga, Professor, Texas Tech University In this deeply researched and yet absolutely practical book, Willerton presents a thorough and fascinating consideration of issues of ethics and plain language. You'll want to review his six case studies, learn his BUROC model, and think deeply about the questions he raises. Whether you are a teacher, student, or writing professional, you will find this book adds a critical dimension to your approach to all your work. Dr. Janice (Ginny) Redish, author, Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works Skeptical at first, Willerton's book changed how I think about plain language. Russell accumulates evidence and events; national and global sites; and learned and organizational perspectives that make plain language and its implementation an irresistible addition to the field. Plain language is an important element of professional and technical communication, an assertion I am confident making only after reading Plain Language and Ethical Action.ã Obfuscation beware! Michael J. Salvo, Associate Professor, Purdue University Plain Language and Ethical Action is a refreshing synthesis of the informal conversations we've been having about what makes plain language a movement rather than simply a process or technique. I don't hesitate to recommend this book to clear communication proponents. Iva Cheung This book is a timely and needed reinvigoration of plain language within TPC research...The book closely aligns scholars and practice. For Willerton, TPC is a rhetorical and humanistic enterprise, and plain language can help to advance the profession's broader ethical commitment to clear, accessible communication. Kira Dreher, IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication The book empower[s] writers and users to work together in producing technically accurate and ethically sound documents. Donald R. Roccomini, Santa Clara University