Fight against gobbledegook

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 32

Fight against gobbledegook

PA Wellington An Auckland literacy group has launched a plain English campaign to wipe out gobbledegook. The co-ordinator of the campaign, Ms Diana Nicholson, said that gobbledegook was widespread in New Zealand. The campaign, based on the British plain English campaign, aimed to end confusion caused by poor writing. Pressure would be put on companies, councils, and Government departments to have staff write forms, leaflets, letters, and agreements in straightforward language. Campaign organisers could also help other organisations to simplify written material. “We all seem to have

been victims of gobbledegook at some time,” Ms Nicholson said. “Our society requires people to read and understand a lot of information so that they are able to know their rights and responsibilities, and stay within the law.”

Much necessary information was badly written, over-complicated, and unclear.

The campaign, run by the Auckland Adult Literacy Scheme, seeks the public’s help. It has asked people to send examples of unnecessarily difficult or poorly designed forms, leaflets, letters, and agreements. The organisers. will approach those who produced them and offer guidance in plain English. The Chief Ombudsman, Mr George Laking, is patron of the campaign.