Have your copy translated into Easy Read – we take care of it for you!
Language serves to build bridges and nurture understanding. But what if it leads to exclusion and causes misunderstandings?! We offer translations for Easy Read and advise you on your path towards an inclusive language – for both online and print media.
Language serves to build bridges and nurture understanding. But what if it leads to exclusion and causes misunderstandings?! We offer translations for Easy Read and advise you on your path towards an inclusive language – for both online and print media.
What is Easy Read?
Easy Read is not a foreign language, but an extremely simplified version of the language given. It follows its own set of rules and requirements, which is why we treat the transfer of copy into Easy Read like a translation. This involves much more than just rewriting sentences or replacing foreign terms with easy-to-understand words. The goal is rather to make the text as understandable as possible on a general level – for instance for people with limited reading abilities – which requires in-depth (linguistic) know-how. This is where we come into the picture.
Easy Read, Plain Language – what is the difference?
There is both Easy Read and Plain Language. The terms are often used interchangeably, yet they actually describe two different language versions. As a result, a translation into Plain Language has different requirements than a translation into Easy Read.
For instance, Plain German caters to people who are learning the language as a foreign language, are dyslexic or have a low reading ability for any other reason. When it comes to Plain German, like with Easy Read, sentences are simplified and foreign words avoided – however, the changes are not nearly as extensive as for Easy Read, which follows clearly defined rules and principles.
Who is Easy Read for?
The basic idea of Easy Read is inclusion – in other words, the aim to include people with severe reading difficulties or cognitive limitations when it comes to communication. Translations into Easy Read have been around for about 50 years already – its development being mainly initiated in the USA. However, in Germany too, within the course of the inclusion movement, demands for Easy Read became ever louder. Since 2013, the German organisation Netzwerk Leichte Sprache has been setting the rules for German Easy Read and educating on the topic.
Easy Read is available for many languages, not just German: English, Spanish or Swedish. They have all developed a simplified version of their standard language. The use of Easy Read or Plain Language is particularly helpful when it comes to communicating with public authorities, government agencies or other officials. But more and more companies are also relying on simplification – fostering inclusion within their own communication.
Do you need a translation into Easy Read or Plain German? Simply send us your request. We're happy to advise you.
Translations into Easy Read: our workflow
We want to break barriers and enable inclusion – with the help of language. Easy Read and Plain German simplify complex content and make this accessible to people who would otherwise be marginalised due to content in the standard language. Before translating your copy into Easy Read, we advise you comprehensively and consider together with you how we can realise your communications in the best-possible way. Our translators at Text first for Easy Read or Plain German are at your side.
1. You ask for a quote.
2. We advise you on whether a translation in Easy Read or Plain German is needed.
3. We send you an offer with no obligations.
4. Once we have received your go, we begin our work: text analysis, selection of suitable translators, internal quality control, approval, etc.
5. You receive the finalised translation.
We are always there for you should you have any questions.
In our office in Hamburg is where everything comes together. We are at your side throughout the entire process – supporting you through the ins and outs of this still new and challenging topic.
Have you got any questions? Just contact us Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We are your experts for everything centred round language, text and culture – allowing us to connect companies with their customers. This means we listen closely, take a closer look and provide out-of-the-box advisory. The result: tailored solutions which enable you to get the most out of your text.
Have you got questions centred round our translation services?
During a talk to get to know each other, we define the framework together and go through a set-up that is right for you. Just follow the link.
Frequently asked questions
Easy Read is subject to clearly defined rules and principles. When it comes to Plain Language, you have a bit more leeway. Do you want to simply have fewer complicated sentences, or would you like to replace foreign terms in the text with known words? Contact us – we’ll happily advise you and find out together what it is precisely that you need.
Easy Read is not only the country’s own language without any foreign words. It is also about how a text is written – so that it is understandable also for people with limited cognitive abilities. A text in Easy Read, for instance, works with numerous illustrations and pictures, and avoids certain words or sentence structures. Which is why the transfer of a text into Easy Read can by all means be considered a translation.
Potential target groups are:
- People with cognitive limitations
- People with learning difficulties
- People with a language disability
- People with a lower understanding of language
- People who cannot read or write well
- People with limited language skills
If you would like to reach one or several of these target groups with your text, you should consider having it translated into Easy Read or Plain German at Text first.
Easy Read is already a standard for government agencies, ministries, the police, political parties, schools and pre-school establishments. But also those such as memorials, libraries, museums, hospitals, charity institutions, publishing houses and more rely on Easy Read. And their numbers are increasing!