Plain language is described as:
Communication whose wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. (Source: International Plain Language Federation)
Promoting plain language comes from attempts to make legal language–which is notoriously difficult to understand–understandable to the layperson.
You can apply plain language principles to academic writing too–especially if you’re repackaging your academic work for a wider audience.
Here's an example. Which version do you find easier to read? They are all trying to convey the same idea.
Original
It establishes empirically and advances the hypothesis that theological characteristics that were facilitative of the birth and persistence of fundamental cultural traits instigated the evolution of compatible linguistic traits that have nurtured and augmented the dissemination and the intergenerational transference of these cultural traits over the expanse of human history.
Stats: 1 sentence, 50 words, 30th-grade (!) reading level
(This "original" was inspired by a real sentence from a published paper.)
Plainer
We show that features of religion helped unique cultural traits to emerge in a population. Those cultural traits, in turn, led to the evolution of complementary linguistic traits, which made it possible for humans to pass down their culture over the generations.
Stats: 2 sentences, avg. 21 words per sentence, 42 words total, 13th-grade reading level
Even plainer
Certain features of religions shaped unique cultural traits. Languages then adapted to complement those traits, allowing humans to spread and pass down their culture.
Stats: 2 sentences, avg. 12 words per sentence, 24 words total, 10th-grade reading level
I’m sure you can reword the original sentence in many (better) ways, but hopefully, this gives you an idea of how plain language might work in academia.
It’s not about “dumbing down” your writing; it’s about tailoring it to your audience in a way that they can understand what you are saying.
Top principles for plain language
Here’s a list of easy tips to help you write plain language, from the US National Archives:
Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience.
Write for your reader, not yourself.
Use pronouns when you can.
State your major point(s) first before going into details.
Stick to your topic.
Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short.
Write in active voice. Use the passive voice only in rare cases.
Use short sentences as much as possible.
Use everyday words. If you must use technical terms, explain them on the first reference.
Omit unneeded words.
Keep the subject and verb close together.
Use headings, lists, and tables to make reading easier.
Proofread your work, and have a colleague proof it as well.
Find out more about plain language in my resource library 📚