Linguistic research and analysisLinguistic Education and PedagogyWriting and Handwriting Education

Katrin Burkhalter, Bernadette Rieder

2026.2.18Lebende Sprachen

DOI: 10.1515/les-2026-0004

Abstract

Abstract In this article, we show how our model of target audience orientation can be used for writing texts in Plain Language. The model describes target audience orientation as a text quality feature that encompasses the dimensions of comprehensibility, attractiveness and honesty. Of course, texts in Plain Language – like texts in general – should be understood by their target audience. However, texts that are orientated towards their target audience are also read (further) with pleasure (they are attractive) and are ultimately useful (they are honest). This ideal can be approached by keeping the target audience of a text in mind, considering general writing practice and paying attention to the coherence of texts.

Citation format

BURKHALTER, Katrin; RIEDER, Bernadette. Adressatenorientierung als rahmen für das schreiben von texten in leichter sprache. Lebende Sprachen, 2026, 0(1): 365–393.