Plain language

Definition

Plain language is a style of writing that emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and straightforwardness to effectively communicate ideas and messages. It avoids jargon, complex vocabulary, and convoluted sentences, making the text more accessible to a wider audience. This approach became particularly significant during the Great Awakening, as it reflected a shift towards more relatable and emotionally engaging forms of communication in American literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plain language became popular during the Great Awakening as religious leaders aimed to make their sermons more relatable to the common people.
2. This style of communication helped break down social barriers, allowing for broader participation in religious discussions and movements.
3. Plain language often included personal anecdotes and emotional storytelling, making sermons more impactful and memorable.
4. The emphasis on plain language marked a departure from the more ornate styles of earlier colonial literature, reflecting changing societal values.
5. Writers and speakers during this period used plain language as a way to democratize knowledge, making it available to everyone rather than just the educated elite.

Review Questions

• How did the use of plain language during the Great Awakening influence the way religious messages were received by the public?
  • The use of plain language during the Great Awakening significantly influenced how religious messages were understood by making them more relatable and accessible to everyday people. By avoiding complex theological jargon, ministers were able to communicate core spiritual concepts in straightforward terms. This approach fostered a sense of inclusion among diverse audiences, encouraging greater engagement in religious practices and discussions.
• In what ways did plain language serve as a tool for social change during the Great Awakening?
  • Plain language served as a powerful tool for social change during the Great Awakening by democratizing religious discourse and breaking down barriers between different social classes. By utilizing clear and simple communication, preachers could reach individuals who might otherwise feel alienated by traditional, complex sermons. This accessibility empowered individuals to engage with faith on a personal level, fostering movements that emphasized individual interpretation and emotional connection over institutional authority.
• Evaluate how the transition to plain language during the Great Awakening reflects broader shifts in American literature and society at that time.
  • The transition to plain language during the Great Awakening reflects significant shifts in American literature and society by highlighting a move towards inclusivity and personal expression. This change mirrored the growing emphasis on individual experience and emotional authenticity that characterized early American culture. As writers began prioritizing clarity and accessibility, they not only reshaped literary styles but also contributed to a wider cultural movement that valued participation and engagement over elitism, paving the way for future literary developments focused on everyday life.

Related terms

Accessibility: The quality of being easy to understand and use, especially for individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Emotional Appeal:

A persuasive technique that aims to evoke emotions in the audience to strengthen the message or argument presented.

Rhetoric: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, often using figures of speech and other compositional techniques.