The focus of Plain Language actions is often on specific documents or pieces of communication. Implementing Plain Language in a systematic manner in an organization is, however, a different challenge for executives, compliance officers, communication managers or customer relations.
This course will empower you to make your organization truly customer- or citizen-centred. It comprises 6 modules:
- A framework for implementing Plain Language as a strategic priority
- Getting leadership buy-in for Plain Language
- Developing a business plan for Plain Language
- Establishing a Plain Language process
- Creating sustainable excitement for Plain Language
- Monitoring process and demonstrating return on investment
Each module combines theoretical and practical work. The course has one assignment with different sections that run across all six modules. The assignment focuses on research and applied knowledge. Your assignment will equip you with a portfolio of planning documents that you will need to make Plain Language a strategic priority in your organization.
The course is online and will run for 12 weeks. Once you have completed the course and the assignments to the satisfaction of the instructors, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Sarah Slabbert and Nadja Green of the Plain Language Institute will be the course instructors.
The course starts on 17 April 2023.
The cost is $275 Canadian dollars. This is just over R3000, depending on the exchange rate.
How to register and pay for the course
- Click here to create an account on The Plain Language Academy Moodle site.
- Once the account has been set up, you can log in.
- Click on our course name (A5) to take you to the course page. Scroll down to pay. Once you have paid, you will receive a confirmation email.
You could also ask us for an invoice and pay the Plain Language Institute directly.
If you have any question or issues to get registered, email Nadja at nadja@plain-language.co.za.
We look forward to meeting you in the course!

Sarah Slabbert
Course instructor
Sarah is the MD of BHI32 and The Plain Language Institute. She has many years of experience as a development communication consultant in both the private and the public sectors.
As an academic researcher, she has published a book and numerous research articles since 1994. Subjects included Plain Language, transformation discourse, tsotsitaal, language and identity, code switching, and the urban varieties of the African languages.
If not in the office, you will find her in on her road bike or MTB

Nadja Green
Course instructor
Nadja is responsible for Plain Language writing, strategy development and research.
She holds a Masters degree in Communication Management. The topic of her Masters dissertation was: Towards a conceptual framework for implementing plain language as a strategic priority in organisations. Nadja is also a qualified teacher with teaching experience.
In her spare time, Nadja loves watching documentaries and playing simulation games.
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