Linguistic considerations in the simplification/clarification of insurance policy language∗

Reprints may be obtained from Roger W. Shuy, Center for Applied Linguistics, Arlington, Virginia.

Abstract

The simplification/clarification of document language is discussed from a linguistic point of view. It is argued that a priori principles of what clear writing involves are often mistaken and counterprodutive. It is hypothesized that the clarity of document prose depends in large part on the extent to which it adheres to the principles of ordinary discourse, allowing readers to successfully apply their tacit linguistic knowledge at all levels. Some popular notions of how to clarify documents in some aspects of document discourse structure are examined in this light, using examples from insurance policy language.

Notes

Reprints may be obtained from Roger W. Shuy, Center for Applied Linguistics, Arlington, Virginia.