How to Write Health Literacy Materials for Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Every translator knows that a good translation product starts with a high quality original text. Every writer knows that crafting a cogent, clear and engaging text is a very difficult task. However, if your goal is to deliver crucial information related to human health, you cannot afford to use ambiguous, difficult to decipher, highly specialized language. You need to take in consideration that your potential readers may have marginal reading skills in both English and their native language. And even if you write for highly educated audiences, they will definitely appreciate well organized, easy to read materials.

Here are a few sound and timeless rules for clear communication from Writing 101 that we all knew but forget how to use.

1. Your main message should be clear and concise:

• Use the cover, title and headings to support or give your message.
• Get to the point quickly.
• Use visual means and graphics to emphasize your main point.
• If your message is a call for action, use action words and imperative mode. Implied directive and conditional mode will not work.

2. Your language should be simple:

• Write in short sentences. If you think it is unsophisticated, please reread Mitch Albom, Ernest Hemingway and William Shakespeare. Pithy is a sign of genius.
• Use less industry jargon. Remember, you are writing for general public, getting your point across using terms that everybody easily recognizes is more important then demonstrating author’s erudition.

3. Information should be well organized:

• Amount of information should be manageable. Present information in short segments to aid reader’s memory.
• Reader should be able to locate information quickly. Use bullet points, numbers, bold font, boxes, arrows and other graphic devices to help the reader to navigate information easily.
• Allow ample margins and sufficient space between paragraphs: it helps visual perception.
• Don’t overwhelm your text with too much information. Often, less is more.
• Summarize and reiterate your information to help it sink in.

4. Writing the text that is going to be translated into foreign languages:

• Avoid using idiomatic and culturally bound expressions. They could be lost in translation.
• Use descriptive language when addressing abstract concepts, such as “managed health care”, since such expressions may not exist in the target language.
• Your materials should be culturally competent and sensitive. Consult a cultural expert when submitting your text for translation.

And finally, make your materials interesting and engaging. People will not remember what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel.

Good luck with your writing!