Easy Read

Easy Read is a heavily simplified version of standard language. It makes content accessible to everyone, without language barriers.

Alpha Translation Service has been offering Easy Read translations for several years now. In that time, we’ve gained a wealth of experience and had translators trained specifically for this purpose. They are certified and follow the rules that are required for these texts.

Easy-to-read texts are intended mainly for people with learning difficulties or cognitive impairments. Others can also benefit from texts that are more easily understood, such as non-English speakers and older people. Easy-to-read texts enable people to inform themselves independently and participate more actively in society. Clients in both the public, private and voluntary sectors can benefit from providing such resources, to increase the reach and accessibility of their content.

Translating into Easy Read

During translation, the language, content and layout of the text is reworked in accordance with Easy Read guidelines, the goal being to present a translation that is easy to read and understand, whilst still retaining the essential information in the original text. The most important points are:

• using short sentences
• using simple grammar
• using basic vocabulary
• avoiding the use of foreign words
• not using more than one sentence per line
• using illustrations to accompany and help clarify the text

What’s the difference between Easy Read and Plain English?

Whilst Easy Read observes numerous rules, has a defined level of English (Level B1) and is more meant for people with learning disabilities, the guidelines of Plain English concentrate on the principle of only simplifying the language, not the content.

Plain English is intended to provide information using everyday words to make sure the audience can understand the message easily and quickly. Plain English rather targets people with limited levels of English, which could be foreigners, immigrants or older people. Targeting these groups with specifically Easy Read content, as opposed to just Plain English is vital for their equal access to services, and enables independence in this respect.

Plain English, however, requires a higher level of reading skills than easy-to-read content, offering a middle ground in between Easy Read and standard language.

How will Alpha Translation Service support you?

We can offer comprehensive advice on all the different aspects of Easy Read translation, from an initial consultation until the end of the translation process. Together we can discuss your individual needs before coming up with an offer specific to you.

Easy Read Translators

Our translators are experts: They have obtained the relevant certificates through pursuing further training and now have years of experience in the field. They’re also competent at translating into Plain English. Alongside working on the language, they also choose the graphic elements and supporting photos. In order to ensure a consistently high-level quality of translation, the ‘four eyes principle’ is used, whereby every text is proofread by a second translator. If desired, a ‘trial’ reading with a target group can also be run to ensure the text is suitable for the intended audience.

At Alpha Translation we also offer Easy Read translations for other languages, for instance German, French, Arabic and Chinese. Thanks to our established team, we can guarantee that the meaning of your text will be conveyed exactly as you want.

Your experts for Easy Read and Plain English

If you want to help your team and your clients overcome barriers to communication that still exist in everyday life, don’t hesitate to get in contact. We look forward to advising you on Easy Read and Plain English texts, to take the important step towards making communication more accessible for everyone.