Workshop on 'plain language' for CPA

"According to the Act, all documents have to be simplified into plain language," says John Linnegar, chairperson of PEG. "That is why we have decided to offer a one-day workshop on Plain Language Issues and Practice at the Cape Town Book Fair on July 30 2010."

"This workshop addresses - in a practical way - the highly topical issue of communicating through plain language. From the viewpoint of both policy and plain language skills, it will be of interest to editors, proofreaders, materials developers, writers and 'rewriters'."

The workshop will be addressed by Hector Tshabalala, editor-in-chief: Language Services Section, national parliament of South Africa; Eleanor Cornelius, lecturer, department of linguistics and literary theory, University of Johannesburg; and John Linnegar. It will cover the theory of plain language and explore why plain language is necessary through case studies that demonstrate its importance for improving access to information in all facets of our society.

The workshop fee is R450. There is a discount for PEG members, who pay R250, and students of publishing or related studies, who pay R160. To book got to www.editors.org.za, or email Ellyn Barry at ten.asmoklet@yrrabnylle.