To have access to literature and other forms of culture is a human right. This is a right that is denied many citizens today. The reasons are obstacles the producers of culture often are not aware of. One big obstacle for many regarding reading books is the lack of literature in Easy Language.
Many have low reading skills
57 % of adults in age 16 – 65 are not good readers.
26 % have very low reading skills.
That is the result of the last PIAAC survey. PIAAC stands for Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. It is a survey of adults’ skills in literacy, numeracy and problem solving. It was conducted during the years 2022-2023 in 31 of the OECD countries.
The PAGE project aims to raise awareness about how to make literature more accessible for a reader who has difficulties in reading. The project’s target group is young adults with intellectual difficulties. Within this group the percentage of persons who are struggling with reading books is much higher than the average of the PIAAC survey. These readers need literature with an adult content and voice, but in an easier language.
Books in Easy Language is literature
There are many misconceptions about literature in Easy Language. Easy Language books are often referred to as children’s book. Or being second class literature. This is not true. A well written Easy Language novel is just as good, inspirational and interesting to read as any other novel. But what are the differences between a regular novel and a novel in easy language? Well, the quick answer is content, language and layout.
In the easy language novel, the story most often is presented in a chronological order, the number of characters are limited, the voice of the narrator is clear. It is also clear when there is dialogue or when someone’s thoughts are presented.
The language uses common words, avoid metaphors and passive tense. Sentences are short. A good approach is “one thought or information per sentence”, and there are no inserted clauses.
The layout is clean and easy to get an overview of. The text is in a well-known font and not too small. The lines are short, about 55 characters long.
There is space between paragraphs and a new paragraph is never started with an indent. The text never uses justified setting.
Novels in Easy Language are often illustrated. The illustrations help the reader to understand the text.
During the first phase of the PAGE project, we are researching what could help the target reader to read and understand novels and what would make them interested in reading. We are also having a dialogue with publishers what they need to start publishing literature that is accessible.
Easy Language books – a long tradition in Sweden
Sweden has been publishing Easy Language literature since the late 1960’s. The first books were adaptations of already published books. Today most of the books in Easy Swedish are original stories and not adaptations. Thousands of books have made it possible for readers who had given up reading books, to enjoy literature and to be part of discussions about literature.
Many acknowledged Swedish authors have had their books adapted into Easy Language or they have written original novels for the Easy Swedish audience. Many of them have said: what a great way to increase my number of readers!
Literature in Easy Language is important for so many who are struggling with reading. It is a way to give them access to an important form of culture.
And, to have access to culture and to participate in society as everyone else is a Human Right.