April 2023 | Shufrans TechDocs Home // April 2023 | Shufrans TechDocs

Technical writing is often dense and complex, making it challenging for readers to understand the information they need. This can be especially problematic in industries such as aerospace, defense, and transportation, where technical documentation plays a critical role in ensuring safety and compliance. Simplified Technical English (STE) offers a solution to this problem by providing a set of guidelines for writing technical documentation that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

STE was developed in the early 1980s by the aerospace industry and has since been adopted by numerous other industries. The goal of STE is to eliminate ambiguity and complexity in technical writing, making it accessible to a wider audience. The guidelines for STE cover a wide range of topics, including grammar, vocabulary, and style.

One of the key features of STE is its emphasis on the use of a controlled vocabulary. This means that only a specific set of words and phrases are used, which have been carefully chosen for their clarity and simplicity. For example, instead of using the word “activate,” which can have multiple meanings, STE recommends using “start.” This helps to ensure that readers understand exactly what is meant by a particular term, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Another important aspect of STE is its use of simple grammar structures. STE recommends using short, declarative sentences, and avoiding complex sentence structures such as subordinate clauses. This makes it easier for readers to follow the logic of the text and understand the information presented.

In addition to grammar and vocabulary, STE also addresses style and formatting. STE recommends the use of bullet points, tables, and diagrams to present information in a clear and concise manner. This helps to break up dense blocks of text and make the information more accessible to readers.

The benefits of STE are numerous. By simplifying technical writing, STE makes it easier for readers to understand complex information. This can improve safety in industries where technical documentation is critical, such as aerospace and defense. It can also reduce the risk of errors and misinterpretation, which can have serious consequences.

In addition to these practical benefits, STE can also improve the efficiency of technical writing. By providing a set of guidelines for grammar, vocabulary, and style, STE streamlines the writing process, reducing the time and effort required to produce high-quality technical documentation.

Overall, Simplified Technical English is an effective tool for transforming complex technical writing into clear and concise documentation that is easy to understand. By adopting STE guidelines, technical writers can improve the accessibility and safety of their documentation while also streamlining the writing process.

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In the world of technical writing, clear and concise documentation is essential for effective communication. Simplified Technical English (STE) offers a solution by providing a set of rules and guidelines that simplify the language used in technical documents. By applying these principles, you can ensure that your documents are easily understood by a diverse audience. In this article, we will explore the five key principles of Simplified Technical English and how they can help you write clear and concise technical documents.

Standardized Vocabulary:

The first principle of Simplified Technical English is the use of a standardized vocabulary. This means using a limited and predefined set of approved words that are familiar to the target audience. By avoiding technical jargon and ambiguous terms, you can eliminate confusion and ensure that your message is conveyed accurately.

Simple Sentence Structure:

The second principle focuses on using a simple sentence structure. Complex sentences with multiple clauses and subclauses can be challenging for readers to follow. Instead, aim for short, declarative sentences that convey one idea at a time. This approach enhances clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

Clear Grammar and Syntax:

Proper grammar and syntax play a crucial role in creating comprehensible technical documents. STE emphasizes the use of clear and straightforward grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tenses. Additionally, avoiding passive voice and using active voice helps maintain reader engagement and ensures a direct and concise writing style.

Consistent Terminology:

Consistency is key when it comes to technical documentation. The fourth principle of Simplified Technical English emphasizes the importance of using consistent terminology throughout your documents. This means using the same word or phrase to describe a particular concept or component, avoiding synonyms or alternative terms that may confuse readers. Consistent terminology enhances understanding and helps readers navigate through complex technical information seamlessly.

Precise and Unambiguous Writing:

The final principle of Simplified Technical English centers around precise and unambiguous writing. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, which can have serious consequences in technical fields. Use clear and specific language to describe actions, procedures, and requirements. Additionally, provide explicit instructions and avoid vague terms that may leave room for interpretation.

Simplified Technical English is a game changer in the field of technical writing. It improves the clarity and consistency of technical documentation, makes it more accessible to a wider audience, reduces the risk of misinterpretation, and can save organizations time and money. As more and more industries adopt STE, it is clear that this controlled language will continue to play an important role in technical communication for years to come.

Conclusions:

Mastering the five key principles of Simplified Technical English can significantly improve your technical writing skills and enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your documents. By adhering to a standardized vocabulary, utilizing simple sentence structures, maintaining clear grammar and syntax, employing consistent terminology, and writing precisely and unambiguously, you can create technical documents that are easily understood by your target audience. Embrace these principles and witness the transformation of your technical writing into a powerful tool for effective communication.

Simplified Technical English (STE) is a writing standard that is gaining popularity in the technical writing industry. It is designed to help writers create clear and concise technical documentation that is easily understood by a wide audience. If you’re a technical writer who is hesitant about using STE, here are some reasons why you should consider giving it a try.

First and foremost, using STE can improve the clarity of your writing. Technical documents can often be dense and difficult to understand, especially for those who are not familiar with the subject matter. By using STE, you can simplify your language, making it easier for readers to understand what you are trying to convey. This is especially important for industries such as aviation, where misinterpretation of technical documentation can have serious consequences.

In addition to improving clarity, using STE can also make your writing more consistent. The language rules of STE provide a standardized way of writing technical documentation, ensuring that all documents follow the same format and style. This can be especially useful for companies that produce a large volume of technical documentation, as it can help to ensure that all documents are consistent and easy to understand.

When writing technical documentation, it can be time-consuming and costly to have to constantly edit and revise your work to make it clearer and more concise. By using STE, you can reduce the amount of time and money you spend on editing and revision, as your writing will be clear and concise from the outset.

Using STE in technical documentation can also help ensure compliance with regulations and standards. For example, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandates the use of STE in the documentation of safety-critical systems and equipment in aerospace. Similarly, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) require the use of STE in their standards for electrical and electronic equipment where possible.

Simplified Technical English is a game changer in the field of technical writing. It improves the clarity and consistency of technical documentation, makes it more accessible to a wider audience, reduces the risk of misinterpretation, and can save organizations time and money. As more and more industries adopt STE, it is clear that this controlled language will continue to play an important role in technical communication for years to come.

The writing style of the original text is highly technical and precise, which is suitable for conveying important safety information regarding the use of exercise equipment. The language used is formal, and the tone is serious, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions.

However, technical jargon can sometimes make it challenging for customers to understand the instructions and warnings, leading to improper use of equipment, which may result in serious injuries.

For instance, phrases such as “musculoskeletal discomfort” may not be easily understood by customers who are not familiar with medical terminology. Similarly, terms like “Qualified Trainer” may not be clear to some users, who may not know who qualifies as a “qualified” trainer.

To avoid such issues, it is crucial to communicate safety information in a way that is easy to understand and accessible to the general public. It is important to use simple, clear, and concise language that is understandable by a broad audience.

Moreover, providing visual aids such as diagrams, pictures, and videos can be helpful in supplementing written instructions and enhancing customer understanding. Using a conversational tone, instead of a formal or technical one, can also make safety information more accessible and relatable.

In conclusion, while technical jargon is essential in certain contexts, it can hinder customer understanding in safety-related matters. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate safety information in a way that is easy to understand and accessible to a broad audience. This can be achieved through the use of Simplified English, clear and simple instructions, and avoiding technical terms or jargon wherever possible. By doing so, customers can more easily understand the instructions and use the equipment safely and efficiently.

🧑🏻‍💻 Sign up for our Simplified Technical English workshop and learn how to communicate clearly and effectively.

🚜 🛫 🚛 Simplified Technical English (STE) is a controlled language that aims to make technical documentation easier to understand for non-native English speakers and those with limited language proficiency. It is used widely in various industries such as aerospace, defense, and transportation.

Here are some reasons why investing in Simplified Technical English can be a good decision:

1. Clear communication: STE provides a standard vocabulary and grammar, making technical documentation clear and concise, and reducing ambiguity. This can lead to more efficient communication and better understanding between technical writers, engineers, and end-users.
2. Improved safety: In high-risk industries such as aerospace and defense, using STE can help reduce the risk of accidents caused by misunderstandings in technical documentation. By ensuring clear and unambiguous instructions, STE can contribute to improving safety and reducing risk.
3. Cost-effective: Simplified Technical English can help reduce the cost of translation and localization of technical documents. By using a standardized language, companies can simplify the translation process and reduce the need for costly and time-consuming revisions.
4. Compliance: STE is widely recognized as an industry standard for technical documentation in many sectors, and its use can help companies comply with industry regulations and standards. This can be particularly important for companies operating in highly regulated industries.

In summary, investing in Simplified Technical English can improve communication, increase safety, reduce costs, and support regulatory compliance. By adopting STE, companies can ensure that their technical documentation is clear, concise, and effective, which can ultimately contribute to their success and competitiveness in the global market.

📊 💻 Review the STE localization case study here.

🌐 Learn more about this international writing standard at our upcoming lectures and writing workshops in Q2 2023:

Europe Online STE Workshop | 2-day Training Course

April 13 – April 14

US, Canada | Certified Simplified Technical English workshops

April 17 – April 19

Asia Pacific: 2-day certified online STE workshop (APAC)

April 24 – April 25

Middle East & Africa (MEA) Simplified Technical English Writing Workshop | A language for all industries

May 8 – May 9

▶️ Sign up now!

Simplified Technical English (STE) is a controlled language that is used in the aerospace and defense industries to simplify the language used in technical documents. Here are 9 best practices of Simplified Technical English:

1. Use a limited vocabulary: STE restricts the vocabulary used in technical writing to a specific set of words. This helps to reduce ambiguity and ensures that the meaning of the text is clear.
2. Use simple sentence structures: STE encourages the use of simple sentence structures that are easy to understand. Complex sentence structures can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
3. Use active voice: The active voice is preferred in STE because it is clearer and more concise than the passive voice when writing procedural text.
4. Use present tense: Present tense is preferred in STE because it is more immediate and makes the text easier to understand.
5. Use the imperative mood: The imperative mood is used in STE to give commands and instructions. This is because it is a clear and direct way of communicating.
6. Use standardized terminology: STE requires the use of standardized terminology to avoid confusion and ensure consistency.
7. Use clear headings and subheadings: Headings and subheadings should be clear and concise so that the reader can quickly identify the topic.
8. Use illustrations: Illustrations can help to clarify complex concepts and make the text easier to understand.
9. Comply with established STE guidelines: To ensure consistency and accuracy, it is important to follow established STE guidelines when writing technical documents. This will help to ensure that the text is clear and easy to understand.

Looking to advance your technical writing career? Our Simplified Technical English workshop is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and stand out from the crowd. Don’t miss your chance to master this essential skill with our workshop.

🌐 Learn more about this international writing standard at our upcoming lectures and writing workshops in Q2 2023:

Europe Online STE Workshop | 2-day Training Course

April 13 – April 14

US, Canada | Certified Simplified Technical English workshops

April 17 – April 19

Asia Pacific: 2-day certified online STE workshop (APAC)

April 24 – April 25

Middle East & Africa (MEA) Simplified Technical English Writing Workshop | A language for all industries

May 8 – May 9

▶️ Sign up now!