plain language editorials

Posted By: cyril smith
Date: 11, August 03, at 11:43 a.m.

This is a plea to the writers of this and other Trinidad newspapers. Having been educated in both Trinidad and the U.S., I have read numerous forms of literary and opinion-based writings. Simply put, there is an unecessary overuse of flamboyant and "big" words to convey the simplest of ideas in our local papers. While I recognize that Trinidadians are highly-educated and well-read, the goal of effective writing is communication. Too often local editorials bombard readers with "big" words that must surely lose or confuse readers. Why not use the word "type" instead of "genre"; "confusing" instead of "obfuscating"? Shorter, less complex words and sentences will hold readers better, make ideas clearer, and make the editorials more fun to read. This would also save space in our bags since readers will no longer have to walk with a dictionary along with the daily paper. Thank you.

Cyril Smith
Frustrated reader

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