Accessible communication: the power of B1 level
In the world of communication and accessibility, the term b1-level is popping up more and more often. Writing clear and targeted texts is an underexposed element in the lobby towards digital accessibility, but the value is huge. That more marketing and communication professionals are starting to learn about B1 level is of great importance. Especially now, with the impending implementation of the European Accessibility Act.
I had an inspiring conversation with Charlotte Backx, owner of text agency 'By Lotje Getikt' in Tilburg that has specialised in writing B1 texts since 2016. She talks about the importance and also gives 5 tips for applications within your communication.
"The main advantage of a comprehensible text is that readers immediately know what is expected of them. Some 90 per cent of Dutch people understand the content of B1 texts." - Charlotte Backx
What is a b1 text?
Language teaching in Europe is divided into six levels: A, B and C with two sub-levels each. Your mastery of listening, speaking and writing, determines your language level. The highest level is C2 and the lowest A1. B1 is the level people achieve when they complete an integration course.
Who do you write b1 texts for?
B1 texts are there for everyone who appreciates clear and accessible information. They are particularly useful for the 2.5 million Dutch people who have difficulty reading and writing. Think of people learning Dutch as a second language, individuals with cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia, low-literates and people with ADD, ADHD or autism. But actually, everyone enjoys B1 texts. In a fast-paced, fully digital and content-overloaded world, B1 texts make information easily applicable to a wide audience.
Many benefits for organisations
Besides the social commitment that organisations show by communicating comprehensibly for everyone, Charlotte emphasises that B1 texts also have many commercial benefits. Clear communication leads to fewer misunderstandings and higher customer satisfaction . This has benefits for your customer service and business efficiency. Moreover, it offers SEO benefits such as better findability and indexing by Google.
Maintaining nuance in complex information, such as legal documents, within the B1 level is a challenge. This often requires a creative approach, text agency Door Lotje Getikt has already successfully supported several organisations using this method.
THE 5 tips to write your texts b1 By Lotje Getikt:
Short and concise: Limit sentences to a maximum of 15 words and paragraphs to 50 words for maximum clarity.
Logic language: Do not switch between synonyms, or do so infrequently, to avoid confusion.
Avoid jargon: Translate technical terms into plain Dutch so that your message is accessible to a wider audience.
Avoid imagery or proverbs: Opt for direct wording to avoid misunderstandings.
Visual aids: Reinforce your message with images and, if possible, add a read-aloud function to increase accessibility.
Visual aids: Reinforce your message with images and, if possible, add a read-aloud function to increase accessibility.
Accessible websites
A B1 makeover of your website can make a big difference. Google prefers mobile-friendly websites and short paragraphs with lots of clear headings are important here. This way, you increase the usability and search engine ranking of your website in one fell swoop.
Working together towards an accessible future
With new legislation such as the European Accessibility Act and the proliferation of digital information in our daily lives, it becomes crucial that content is accessible to all. By working with experts like Charlotte and her team, organisations make their information accessible to the widest possible audience. For more information, visit the website of By Lotje Getikt at https://doorlotje.nl/
Charlotte previously explained the importance of understandable language, as also mentioned in an RTL News article: https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/artikel/5419246/politiek-en-onbegrijpelijke-taal-kan-dat-niet-makkelijker
