Hi Everyone,

Wow, I really liked our discussion about the formality of language and
what is best to get the message across most effectively! the whole
grammar vs. clarity question has always been nagging at me. You all
brought up so many good points, and the complexity of the issue was
addressed nicely.

In the end, it seems we agree that a less formal tone is ok, but it's
best to use correct grammar unless there's a good reason not to, and to
know what is technically correct grammar (sometimes what we thought was
"incorrect" was actually ok!) 

The "know your audience" point was well-hammered, but I'd add "TEST it
with your audience!"

I also like that we acknowledged the balance between reaching 80% of the
audience and making sure to reach that other 20% somehow.

All in all, it reminds us not to be lazy with writing. If we work at it
and pay attention, we can do a much better job, be clearer and not
sacrifice grammar for clarity!

And speaking of laziness in writing, (no judgement there, I mean
concise-ness) what about this texting thing? I think someone pointed out
how it's a whole literacy in itself and is the new language of a huge
number of young people.

So today's question: should we explore the use of texting to communicate
health info? Has anyone seen it done or seen studies that could inform
this idea? Are the benefits worth the dangers?

Looking forward to hearing,
Julie

Julie McKinney
Health Literacy List Moderator
World Education
jmckinney at worlded.org