1. What did we do?
We studied
the training and practice
of easy-to-understand language
in different European countries.
We prepared a survey
for experts in the field of
easy-to-understand language.
The survey was multilingual.
We distributed the survey online.
The experts were:
- trainers,
- translators / adaptors,
- producers / creators / writers,
- and validators / advisors.
We asked experts:
- personal information,
- if they received training in easy-to-understand,
- how they create easy-to-understand texts,
- how they work,
- how they improve their skills
(a skill is the ability to do something well),
- and what is useful in training.
2. What are the results?
128 experts responded to the survey.
74% were female.
Most experts were in their fifties.
Most experts had studied language, journalism or communication.
Most experts had been or were easy-to-understand trainers.
Most experts received training
in easy-to-understand language.
Normally,
universities do not provide training.
Experts received training
- in the company where they worked,
- or in workshops.
Experts said that they:
- do not work in teams,
- talk with end-users,
- find the comments of end-users helpful,
- use the comments of the end-users
in their final texts.
Experts continue
improving their skills
in the following ways:
- by getting experience in the field,
- by talking with other experts,
- by talking talk with users,
- by participating in conferences, workshops, etc.,
- by studying materials (for example, guidelines).
Experts said
that the most useful activities in training are:
- writing exercises,
- working with other experts,
- revision exercises.
Experts think
that it is very useful to know
- the types of disabilities and the needs
of the target groups,
- the principles, guidelines, recommendations, and standards
of easy-to-understand language.
3. Who can use these results?
We used the results of the report
to decide what to include
in the EASIT course plan.
If you are a learner or a researcher,
you can go to the website
and read the full report.
The full report is useful
if you want to:
- conduct the same survey again
in other countries,
- know the detailed background of the experts,
- do sociological research
in this or in another field.
If you have any questions,
you can contact Elisa Perego.
Her email address is: eperego@units.it
