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Language services are constantly evolving and not only in the much talked-about field of artificial intelligence. A basic need that involves all of society is the need for accessible language: important information should be accessible to everyone and in an easy-to-understand format. Traduct’s new service will help you make your product, service and brand understandable, usable and accessible to all.
The Finnish Centre for Easy Language (Selkokeskus) defines Easy Finnish as follows:
“Easy Finnish is a form of Finnish where the language has been adapted so that it is easier to read and understand in terms of content, vocabulary and structure. It is targeted at people who have difficulties with reading or understanding standard language.”
Easy Language is an integral part of linguistic accessibility as it also enables people who do not understand standard language to partake in society. It is estimated that, in Finland, there are more than half a million people who need Easy Language, which is about 11–14% of the population. For example, people with learning disabilities, language disorders, dyslexia or people whose language skills have deteriorated with life need Easy Language. Also immigrants whose first language is not Finnish or Swedish and who are still learning either of those languages need Easy Language.
Accessibility shouldn’t be just a buzzword. Everyone living or staying in Finland should have equal opportunities to partake in society and get the information they need in an understandable format. Accessibility hurts no one. Imagine, for example, an entrance to a building in winter. When the snow is cleared from the ramp first, everyone can use that ramp. But, if the snow is cleared from the steps first, some people using the building are put in an unequal position. The same applies to Easy Language. Easy Language can be understood by most people – including those who understand standard language. Services and information that are only available in standard language do not reach everyone who might be interested in the services or who need the information.
Have you ever considered that linguistic accessibility could also give you a competitive edge?
Have you ever considered that linguistic accessibility could also give you a competitive edge? When your company’s or organisation’s brochures, website or other services are also available in Easy Language, you will reach a bigger audience and clientele than you would with just standard language content. If you provide services in Easy Language and your competitor’s services are only available in standard language, the person who needs Easy Language is more likely to choose your services, because you have acknowledged them and their needs.
Traduct now also provides adaptations from standard Finnish and translations from English and Swedish into Easy Finnish. Let us help you make your services more accessible for more people. For more information or to request an offer, please email us at traduct@traduct.fi or give us a call at +358 2 210 9300!
P.S. Currently, Traduct provides Easy Language services only in Easy Finnish. However, in Finland, also Easy Swedish is used. In the English-speaking world, Easy Language is more commonly called Easy Read.
Katja Heinonen, Traduct Oy
Project Coordinator