Junk Jargon Just Obfuscates the Obvious

“ ‘Edspeak’ Is in a Class by Itself” (Aug. 16) failed to mention how much it costs the taxpayer. Government agencies, industry and other professions are coming to realize the connection between plain language and improving their bottom lines. Meanwhile, the confusion and misunderstanding caused by Edspeak are ratcheting up the costs of education.

Professions once tried to rationalize the use of acronyms and jargon as a kind of necessary shorthand. No more. Bad language interferes with communication within the profession just as much as it does with the public. Studies show, for example, that simple, straightforward language in legal documents actually enhances clarity and accuracy, speeding up the processes of law and reducing legal costs.

The country would benefit greatly if educators could use plain language in their internal procedures and regulations as well as in public communications. For starters, they can go to the Web site of the Plain Language Assn. International: https://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org . This site clearly spells out the benefits and principles of plain language.

Bill DuBay

Costa Mesa

Yearly, the National Council of Teachers of English hands out awards to officials who put a false face on English with obscure, misleading, overblown and ambiguous language. Educators, who should be teaching us how to communicate clearly, are some of the worst offenders.

Here are a few more gems of Edspeak and what they really mean: “aquatic therapy department” (swimming pool); “nonverbal conversation” (fistfight); “youth development center” (reform school); “physical freeway” (hall); “cold adhesive bond” (glue); “expedite progress toward alternative life pursuits” (expel); “protein spill” (barf); “disparate negative import” (discrimination); “movement experiences” (sports) and “learning resources center” (library).

My personal favorite: What would you think if a teacher said your child had inferior “grapho-motor representation”? Rest easy. There’s no need for a trip to the doctor; that’s just bad handwriting.

Charles Downey

Big Bear City