Jak język wpływa na kontakt z administracją? Czyli o (nie)zrozumiałości języka urzędowego w ujęciu komparatystycznym
How Does Language Influence Contact with Agencies? A Comparative View of the (Un)intelligibility of Administrative Language

Summary/Abstract: The administrative language, like the natural language of which it is a part, is subject to constantchanges that reflect the tendencies in the language as such. An example of such a tendency is plain language,pioneered by Sweden with its klarspråk tradition. Not without a reason, the postulate of simplifying the lan-guage used in public spaces has incentivised similar initiatives in other countries, including Poland. This, inturn, provides a unique opportunity to assess whether a postulate convergent in its theoretical framework isbeing implemented in the same way in Sweden and Poland. In the search for possible similarities and differ-ences in the theory, we analyse the legal basis of the plain language in Poland and Sweden, referring to thelegal doctrine. Subsequently, in accordance with the comparative legal study methodology, we will juxtaposePolish and Swedish examples of implementing plain language in practice. The aim of these comparisons isto establish whether the implementation of theoretical assumptions is convergent in the two countries, and inwhich way it affects the comprehensibility of the texts that reach the final recipients. In fact, it is their perspec-tive that makes the present article relevant, as the intelligibility of official language influences the situation ofnumerous citizens on a daily basis, and the minor changes proposed in the article may significantly facilitateinteraction between citizens and governmental agencies.

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