This is a difficult question to answer definitively, as there is no definitive database or list of all books on plain language published in the past 20 years. However, we can make some estimates based on available data.
According to the Plain Language Association International, there are over 300 books on plain language in their bibliography. This bibliography is not exhaustive, but it does give us a starting point. If we assume that the average book is 250 pages long, then we can estimate that there are over 75,000 pages of literature on plain language published in the past 20 years.
This is just a rough estimate, of course, and the actual number of books and pages published on plain language in the past 20 years is likely to be higher. But this gives us a sense of the scope of the literature on this topic.
In addition to the many books that have been published on plain language, there have also been a number of articles, blog posts, and other pieces of writing on the topic. A quick search on Google Scholar turns up over 8,000 results for articles on plain language published in the past 20 years.
So, in answer to the question, there is a considerable amount of literature on plain language published in the past 20 years, and the number of books and articles on the topic is likely to be in the thousands.
Other related questions:
When did the demand for plain language begin?
There is no one answer to this question as the demand for plain language has likely existed for as long as language itself. However, there has been a renewed interest in plain language in recent years, likely due to the growing complexity of written communications and the need for greater clarity in an increasingly globalized world.
Who is required to use plain language?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the use of plain language is generally determined by the audience or readership for a particular piece of writing. However, in general, it is generally advisable to use plain language when communicating with people who might not be familiar with the subject matter or who might have difficulty understanding complex language.
What is the plain language movement and how does it apply to contracts?
The plain language movement is an effort to improve communication by making sure that documents are clear, concise, and easy to understand. This movement began in the 1970s, and has been gaining momentum ever since.
There are many ways to make a document easier to understand, but one of the most important is to use simple, everyday language. This doesn’t mean dumbing down the content, but rather using words and phrases that are familiar to the reader. Another important aspect of plain language is organization; documents should be laid out in a way that is logical and easy to follow.
Contracts are a perfect example of the kind of document that can benefit from plain language. They are often long and complex, and can be very confusing to someone who is not a lawyer. Using plain language in contracts can help to ensure that both parties understand the agreement, and can help to avoid disputes down the road.
How do you write plain English?
There’s no one answer to this question since everyone has their own definition of what plain English is. However, some tips on how to write in plain English include using short, simple sentences; avoiding jargon and technical terms; and using active voice.
Bibliography
- Books | plainlanguage.gov
- Books – Plain Language Commission: Professional editing …
- Plain Language Past and Present, Part I: The Legacy of …
- Plain language movements, style guides and practice CLARITY
- (PDF) Plain Language in the US Gains Momentum: 1940–2015
- Plain Language: It’s not only about words