In the ever more complex world in which we live, it seems that intercultural communications are becoming more difficult. Although we have more and better means of communication, the content of that communication can still cause misunderstanding, confusion, and conflict. In listing 20 propositions for “internalizing” the use of English, Riddle and Lanham (as cited in Moran, Harris & Moran, 2011) may have hit upon the key element in making the content of communication more understandable, in whatever language and by whatever means it is communicated.
Several of their 20 propositions deal with taking heed to the simplicity of the communication. For example, their first proposition recommends using only the 3,000 most common English words. They go on to make recommendations like using words with few alternate meanings and avoiding the use of all but the most common two-word verbs (Riddle and Lanham, as cited by Moran, et al. 2011). Many of their recommendations can be summed up in the recommendation, keep it simple
As we consider the value of keeping communication simple, it is interesting to note that the great documents of history, those that have endured and continue to endure, are almost universally simple and brief in their form, while less enduring documents are often monuments to verbosity. The Magna Carta, which is celebrating its 800th birthday this year, and is widely viewed as one of the foundation documents of democracy contains 3,550 words (Carpenter, 2015). The United States’ Declaration of Independence, a mere 1,340 words (Hole, 2014), and its Constitution only 4,400 words (Fascinating Facts about the US Constitution). Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the epitome of simplicity and brevity comes in at only 272 words (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, 2015). By contrast, the United Nations charter stretches for 22,407 words (Charter of the United Nations), the Budget of the United State of America 366,667 words (MacKenzie, 2014), and the Affordable Healthcare Act contains 381,517 words, and its implementing regulations 11,588,500 words (CNS News, 2013), so far! It is very unlikely that any of these last three documents will stand the test of time as have the first four.
While our business communications may not be as weighty and long lasting as the US Constitution or Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, we would do well to take heed to the principle that simple is better. Simple concepts. Simple words. Simple communication techniques. All of these combine to create an environment where messages will be received, and more importantly, understood, by the recipient.
References
Moran, Robert T., Harris, Philip R., Moran, Sarah V. Managing Cultural Differences: Leadership Skills and Strategies for Working in a Global World. Burlington, MA: Elsevier, Inc. 2011 – Eighth Edition
Carpenter, D. (2015, January 2). Magna Carta – 800 Years. Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/02/magna-carta-800th-anniversary-relevance-david-carpenter
Hole, R. (2014). The American Declaration of Independence of July 4th, 1776. Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.historytoday.com/robert-hole/american-declaration-independence-july-4th-1776
Fascinating Facts about the U.S. Constitution. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.constitutionfacts.com/us-constitution-amendments/fascinating-facts
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. (2015). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.alplm.org/272.aspx
Charter of the United Nations. (n.d.). Retrieved February 08, 2015, from http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/download.cgi/au/legis/cth/consol_act/cotuna1945288
MacKenzie, D. (2014, January 17). New Federal Budget Costs Taxpayers $3 million Per Word. Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/budget-spending-2014-omnibus/2014/01/17/id/547738
11,588,500 Words: Obamacare Regs 30x as Long as Law. (2013, October 14). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from www.cnsnews/news/article/penny-starr/11588500-words-obamacare-regs-30x-long-law
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