TEDxO'Porto
Sandra Fisher-Martins: The right to understand
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Medical, legal, and financial documents should be easy to read, but too often they aren’t. With spot-on (and funny) examples, Sandra Fisher Martins shows how overly complex language separates us from the information we need -- and three steps to change that. In Portuguese with English subtitles.
(Filmed at TEDxO'Porto.)
Sandra Fisher-Martins - Translator, plain language activist
Sandra Fisher-Martins fights “information apartheid” -- the barrier created by overly complex language. Full bio
Sandra Fisher-Martins fights “information apartheid” -- the barrier created by overly complex language. Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
00:07
The story I want to tell you about, started to me,
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我想和你们分享一个故事，
00:10
in 1996 when I was studying in England.
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这要从我1996年在英国读书时开始说起。
00:14
One day, I was glancing through my bank statement
(I didn't have much to look at)
(I didn't have much to look at)
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有一天，当我正在浏览我的银行账单，
（当然，也没太多值得看的）
（当然，也没太多值得看的）
00:18
and I've noticed that in the upper corner there was
a symbol, that I'm going to show you,
a symbol, that I'm going to show you,
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我发现在账单上角有一个标识，
我正要给你们看看，
我正要给你们看看，
00:24
saying that document had been made in
plain language, for me to understand it.
plain language, for me to understand it.
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上面说明这份结单是使用
平语书写的，以便于我更好理解。
平语书写的，以便于我更好理解。
00:28
The idea interested me; I tried to find out
what that was
what that was
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这个想法激起了我的兴趣；
于是我去了解了一下这方面的情况，
于是我去了解了一下这方面的情况，
00:31
and I found out that there was a campaign for the
simplification of language,
simplification of language,
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发现了一个关于
呼吁简化语言的运动，
呼吁简化语言的运动，
00:35
which was the "Plain English Campaign".
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名字叫做“简明英语运动”。
00:37
I thought it was a fabulous idea, for about
one day or two,
one day or two,
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我曾有那么一两天
痴迷于这种想法，
痴迷于这种想法，
00:40
and I've never thought about it since.
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但之后就再也没想过了。
00:41
When I came back to Portugal, for good,
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从那以后，我就回到
并一直呆在葡萄牙，
并一直呆在葡萄牙，
00:44
I came across with several documents - for example,
my work contract,
my work contract,
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我遇到过很多文件：
比如我的工作合同，
比如我的工作合同，
00:49
the papers I had to sign to buy a house,
the electricity bill --
the electricity bill --
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房产证明，电费单……
00:54
a series of documents that reminded me of
that bank statement.
that bank statement.
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这一系列的文件都让我
回想起了当时的银行结单。
回想起了当时的银行结单。
00:57
Not because they were equally clear and simple,
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不是因为它们同等的简洁明了，
01:01
but because they were the exact opposite.
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而是因为情况与之恰恰相反。
01:03
Because I had to read everything twice or thrice,
to begin to understand what was written there.
to begin to understand what was written there.
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我必须要把每份文件读两到三遍，
才能明白它们到底写了什么。
才能明白它们到底写了什么。
01:08
And then, that little seed that had been sown
in 1996, started germinating.
in 1996, started germinating.
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之后，那个1996年就埋在
我心中的种子开始萌芽了。
我心中的种子开始萌芽了。
01:15
And one day, I found myself
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于是有一天，
01:17
entering through my boss' office and quitting
my job to dedicate myself to this.
my job to dedicate myself to this.
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我走进了老板的办公室，
辞去了我的工作以全心投入这件事。
辞去了我的工作以全心投入这件事。
01:21
And so, what did I find out, right off the start?
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那么，我最先碰到了什么呢？
01:24
I found out that it was a much more severe problem
than I thought.
than I thought.
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我发现问题比我想象中的还要严重。
01:27
It wasn't only about these documents being
complex and annoying,
complex and annoying,
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不仅仅是文件复杂和惹人生厌的问题，
01:32
it was the fact that Portuguese people's literacy --
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事实上，葡萄牙民众的
读写能力是极其低下的。
读写能力是极其低下的。
01:35
literacy is the hability to understand written documents --
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读写能力就是理解书面文件的能力
01:38
is extremely low. I'm going to show you a chart about Portuguese people's literacy [rate].
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我要给你们展示一个
关于葡萄牙人民读写能力的调查表。
关于葡萄牙人民读写能力的调查表。
01:43
You know that about 10, 11% of people, in Portugal,
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我们能看出在葡萄牙有10~11%的人，
01:47
don't know how to read nor write at all, yet.
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是完全没有能力阅读或书写的。
01:50
Over there are those who know, or say they know,
how to read and write. So, what do we have?
how to read and write. So, what do we have?
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还有些人是知道，或者说按照他们
自己的说法是知道如何读写的人。
自己的说法是知道如何读写的人。
01:54
We have that group of red people in level 1,
which is the lowest in literacy [rate].
which is the lowest in literacy [rate].
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所以，我们就有一批标红的等级1的人，
他们只有最低等级的读写能力。
他们只有最低等级的读写能力。
01:59
They are persons who are able to join letters,
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他们有能力去组合字母，
02:02
but they can't, actually, understand.
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但他们其实无法真正理解。
02:05
For example, if a person, from that red group,
has to pick up
has to pick up
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举个例子，假如一个
属于红色区域的人，
属于红色区域的人，
02:09
the package leaflet of a medicinal product,
to give a dose of medicine to his/her child,
to give a dose of medicine to his/her child,
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需要拿一份药品说明书，
去给他/她的孩子开一副药，
去给他/她的孩子开一副药，
02:14
he/she can't, can't understand the information.
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他/她是没法理解说明书上的信息的。
02:16
50% of the Portuguese. Then we have 30% more,
those yellow ones,
those yellow ones,
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这就有50%的葡萄牙人了。
那些处在黄色区域的，
有超过30%的人，
有超过30%的人，
02:22
over there, people who get by
on the daily basis.
on the daily basis.
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他们只能理解基本日常用语。
02:26
That is, if they don't have to read anything too new
or too different, they will manage.
or too different, they will manage.
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也就是说，如果不是太新潮或是
困难的用语，他们是能够看懂的。
困难的用语，他们是能够看懂的。
02:30
But, for example, if they work in a factory and
a new machine arrives
a new machine arrives
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但是，举个例子，如果他们
在工厂工作，来了一台新机器，
在工厂工作，来了一台新机器，
02:33
and they have to read the machine's manual
to be able to work with it, they can't do it anymore.
to be able to work with it, they can't do it anymore.
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他们必须要阅读机器的使用说明
才能操作它，但是他们读不懂。
才能操作它，但是他们读不懂。
02:38
And there they go, 80% of the Portuguese people.
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所有这些人，
占据了80%的葡萄牙人口。
占据了80%的葡萄牙人口。
02:43
Then we have a few more that can handle documents,
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我们还有一些能够看懂文件的人，
02:45
as long as they are not too complex,
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只要不是太复杂的那种。
02:47
and we have 5% of the population that
can handle really complex documents.
can handle really complex documents.
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而只有5%的人口，是可以
理解很复杂的文件的。
理解很复杂的文件的。
02:52
Now, just so you don't think this is normal,
that over there is Sweden.
that over there is Sweden.
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你一定认为这不正常，
这是瑞典的情况。
这是瑞典的情况。
02:57
While we have 20% of people with the literacy
considered essential for a daily basis,
considered essential for a daily basis,
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当我们只有20%的人有
核心日常用语的读写能力时，
核心日常用语的读写能力时，
03:02
Sweden has 75%.
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瑞典有75%的人有。
03:06
And looking at that, what did I realize?
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通过看这些数据，我明白了什么？
03:08
I realized we live in an apartheid of information.
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我意识到我们正生活在
一个信息隔离的环境中。
一个信息隔离的环境中。
03:11
I realized that there's a small minority of people
who has indeed access to information
who has indeed access to information
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我意识到只有一小部分人能够真正
03:17
and can use it to their advantage and
a huge majority that can't.
a huge majority that can't.
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接触信息并为己所用，
而大部分人却做不到。
而大部分人却做不到。
03:23
And because they can't, they are excluded
and they are impaired.
and they are impaired.
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正因为他们接触不到，所以他们
是被排除在外的，他们是受损的。
是被排除在外的，他们是受损的。
03:26
Let me give you an example.
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让我给你们举个例子。
03:28
That one is Mr. Domingos, my building's doorkeeper. Mr. Domingos started to read at the age of 27,
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这位是多明戈斯先生，
是我家大楼的看门人。
是我家大楼的看门人。
多明戈斯先生从27岁开始阅读，
03:34
so, he falls in that yellow group that
we have seen a little while ago.
we have seen a little while ago.
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所以，他属于我们之前
看过的黄色部分的群体。
看过的黄色部分的群体。
03:37
From time to time, I'm arriving home and he says:
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有些时候，当我回到家，他就会说：
03:39
"Miss Sandra!"; "Yes, Mr. Domingos."
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“桑德拉女士好！”
“你好，多明戈斯先生！”
“你好，多明戈斯先生！”
03:41
"Here is a little letter." So, the deal is: when Mr. Domingos or someone in the family or in the neighbourhood
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“这有一封简短的信。”具体来说就是：
当多明戈斯先生，或是家里人，邻居
当多明戈斯先生，或是家里人，邻居
03:45
receives something that they don't understand,
they come to me and I help them to translate it.
they come to me and I help them to translate it.
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收到了一些他们看不懂的东西，
他们就会找到我，让我帮他们翻译。
他们就会找到我，让我帮他们翻译。
03:49
And so, that time he said to me like this:
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一如往常，那次他和我这样说：
03:51
"Oh, Miss Sandra, I'm about to throw this away,
but check it if this is important."
but check it if this is important."
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“喔，桑德拉小姐，我正准备
把它扔掉，帮我看看重不重要吧。”
把它扔掉，帮我看看重不重要吧。”
03:54
It was very important. He had been waiting,
for quite a while, to have a knee surgery
for quite a while, to have a knee surgery
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那个文件很重要。
他已经等那个膝盖手术很久了，
他已经等那个膝盖手术很久了，
03:59
and that was the letter of the famous surgery-bank
checks. When a person is waiting for a long time,
checks. When a person is waiting for a long time,
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那是一封来自著名外科银行的支票信件。
04:03
they get a bank check and with that bank check
they can have that surgery in the private sector.
they can have that surgery in the private sector.
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当一个人久病未治，他们就会得到支票
以支援他们在私营部门做手术。
以支援他们在私营部门做手术。
04:07
It was almost thrown away into the garbage,
Mr. Domingos' letter.
Mr. Domingos' letter.
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多明戈斯先生的那封信，
差点儿就被丢进了垃圾箱。
差点儿就被丢进了垃圾箱。
04:10
In that same year, I've found out,
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就在那年，我还发现了，
04:12
only 20% of people had used these
surgery-bank checks.
surgery-bank checks.
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只有20%的人是真正使用
那些外科银行的支票的。
那些外科银行的支票的。
04:16
The other 80%, I don't believe they had been cured
while they were waiting.
while they were waiting.
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另外的80%的人，我不相信他们
是在等待的过程中就被治愈了。
是在等待的过程中就被治愈了。
04:22
They most likely did the same as Mr. Domingos:
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最可能的情况是他们
和多明戈斯先生一样：
和多明戈斯先生一样：
04:25
"Ah! What's this? I'm not understanding,
it's going to the garbage".
it's going to the garbage".
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“啊！这是什么？我不懂啊，
算了，扔掉吧。”
算了，扔掉吧。”
04:27
They lost the opportunity to have the surgery
they needed.
they needed.
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他们就这样丢掉了做手术的机会。
04:30
What happens here? When people don't understand
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这代表这什么呢？
当人们不理解文字的时候，
当人们不理解文字的时候，
04:34
this has severe consequences -- to the individual,
but also for the country.
but also for the country.
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会造成严重的后果——
对于个人和国家来说都是这样。
对于个人和国家来说都是这样。
04:38
When I don't understand which are my rights,
the benefits I can have access to,
the benefits I can have access to,
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当我不懂得我的权利，
我能获得的好处时，
我能获得的好处时，
04:41
I can't understand my duties and I'm not
an active and participative citizen either.
an active and participative citizen either.
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我同样无法理解我的义务，
也就无法成为积极参与社会活动的公民。
也就无法成为积极参与社会活动的公民。
04:46
Now, maybe, you are sitting there and thinking:
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也许现在，你正坐在这里想着：
04:50
"Yeah, poor Mr. Domingos... Bad luck, isn't it?
Me?! I'm in the green ones."
Me?! I'm in the green ones."
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“啊，可怜的多明戈斯先生……运气太背了，
不是吗？我？我属于绿色的人群。”
不是吗？我？我属于绿色的人群。”
04:54
"I'm absolutely sure that I'm one of the green ones.
I was selected to come to TED! Hum?" (Laughter)
I was selected to come to TED! Hum?" (Laughter)
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“我很肯定我属于绿色人群。
我都被选来TED现场了不是吗？”（笑声）
我都被选来TED现场了不是吗？”（笑声）
04:58
So the deal is: I have here some texts to read to you
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现在，我要给你们念一段内容，
05:02
and I'm going to see what color are you
when I finish reading.
when I finish reading.
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当我读完的时候，你们
就知道你们属于哪群人了。
就知道你们属于哪群人了。
05:06
So, come on, this is an automobile insurance
contract. It says this:
contract. It says this:
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所以，来吧，这是一份
汽车保险合同。上面写着：
汽车保险合同。上面写着：
05:10
"Unless contrary stipulation, the decease of the ensured person, the ensured capital is provided,
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“除合同条款例外，当被保人死亡，
05:16
in case of predeceasing of the beneficiary relatively to the ensured person, to the heirs of the last,
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且法定受益人先于被保人死亡的情况，
保险金由被保人继承人继承；
保险金由被保人继承人继承；
05:22
in case of the simultaneous decease of the ensured person and of the beneficiary,
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或法定受益人与被保人同时死亡的情况，
05:26
to the heirs of the last". Hum? (Laughter)
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保险金将由法定受益人继承人继承。”
怎么样？（笑声）
怎么样？（笑声）
05:28
Next, there's another one, from the medicines'
package leaflet, that says the following:
package leaflet, that says the following:
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下一个，我们来看另一个，
来自一份医药说明，上面写着：
来自一份医药说明，上面写着：
05:33
"Warning! It may also occur erythema, edema,
vesiculation, keratolysis and urticaria."
vesiculation, keratolysis and urticaria."
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“警告！有可能导致红斑，水肿，
囊泡，角质疣，荨麻疹。”
囊泡，角质疣，荨麻疹。”
05:40
Hum? Are you clear?
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怎么样？你懂了吗？
05:44
And this one is really good. This one, I signed
a renting contract to the new office on Friday
a renting contract to the new office on Friday
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这个才是最棒的。这是我
在周五签署的新办公室租令合同
在周五签署的新办公室租令合同
05:47
and I laughed my head off.
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它太搞笑了。
05:48
So, it said: "I, as a cosigner, assume the opportune
payment of the rents,
payment of the rents,
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上面写着：“我，身为联署人，
保证及时支付租金，
保证及时支付租金，
05:54
waiving the benefits of the division
and prior foreclosure."
and prior foreclosure."
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放弃丧失抵押品赎回权
划分之前的好处。”
划分之前的好处。”
05:58
When I heard "opportune payment" ["storm payment"
in Portuguese], I imagined myself bursting in there,
in Portuguese], I imagined myself bursting in there,
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当我听到“及时支付”我想象自己冲进去，
［译注：葡萄牙语里面是“闪电支付”］
［译注：葡萄牙语里面是“闪电支付”］
06:01
slamming the door and saying: "Here's the money!!!"
(Laughter)
(Laughter)
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砰地关上门，说：“这是我的租金！！！”
（笑声）
（笑声）
06:05
But it's not! (Laughter) (Applause)
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但不是这样的！（笑声）（掌声）
06:06
But it's not! (Applause)
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但不是这样的！（掌声）
06:07
(Applause)
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（掌声）
06:09
(Applause)
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（掌声）
06:11
So, it's this: when we leave our area of expertise --
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所以，当我们走出我们的专业领域——
06:15
and it only takes a little; there is no need to go
to the string theory or something like that,
to the string theory or something like that,
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一点点，没必要谈到弦理论那种程度，
［译注：弦理论是种物理理论］
［译注：弦理论是种物理理论］
06:19
it only takes a little... (Laughter)
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只需要超纲一点点……
（笑声）
（笑声）
06:21
What happens?
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会发生什么呢？
06:22
We get as lost as Mr. Domingos.
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我们就会和多明戈斯先生一样不知所措。
06:26
And these documents are not written
by experts to experts,
by experts to experts,
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而且这些文件并非专家写给专家的，
06:30
as the ones from the string theory.
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不是弦理论那种。
06:32
No! These are documents written for me,
these are the public documents,
these are the public documents,
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不！这些文件是写给我的，
这些都是公众文件，
这些都是公众文件，
06:35
the public documents I need to understand
in my daily life,
in my daily life,
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这些我需要在日常生活中
理解的公众文件，
理解的公众文件，
06:39
to govern myself, to live my life.
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以此掌握自己和生活。
06:41
These are the renting contracts, the package leaflet
of the medicines.
of the medicines.
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这些文件包括租赁合同，药品说明。
06:43
It's all this. The electricity bills.
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都是这类的，还有电费单。
06:47
This has to be clear, so that I can understand.
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这些都需要很清晰，
这样我才能看懂。
这样我才能看懂。
06:48
Because, if I can't understand, what happens?
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因为，如果我看不懂，
会发生什么呢？
会发生什么呢？
06:51
I make mistakes, I get wrong.
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我会犯错，我会做出错误的理解。
06:54
I'm going to give you an example of mistakes that
were committed, bad decisions made
were committed, bad decisions made
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我来给你们举个犯错的例子，
因为看不懂文件，
因为看不懂文件，
06:58
for not being able to understand documents.
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从而作出了糟糕的决定。
07:00
Do you remember the subprime crisis that
took place in the United States?
took place in the United States?
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你们还记得发生在美国
的那次次贷危机吗？
的那次次贷危机吗？
07:04
What happened?
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发生了什么呢？
07:06
People signed those loans to buy houses,
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人们签署贷款买房子，
07:09
without truly understanding what they were signing.
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却并不知道他们签署的是什么。
07:12
Because if they knew what they were signing,
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因为如果他们知道
他们签署的内容的话，
他们签署的内容的话，
07:14
they'd know that as soon as the interest rate started
to rise, the monthly payment would also increase,
to rise, the monthly payment would also increase,
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他们就应该明白当利息上涨时，
他们每月的还款量也会增加，
他们每月的还款量也会增加，
07:20
they wouldn't be able to pay anymore and
they would end up without a house.
they would end up without a house.
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那时候他们就没有能力偿还了，
最后就会失去他们的房子。
最后就会失去他们的房子。
07:23
So, the rest, after that, next, everything
crumbled down and we know the rest.
crumbled down and we know the rest.
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在那之后，一切就完了，
我们知道这种后果的。
我们知道这种后果的。
07:27
Do you think that if there was a culture of clarity
in the financial sector
in the financial sector
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你认为如果我们在金融领域
一向有着清晰表达的传统的话，
一向有着清晰表达的传统的话，
07:32
things would have got up to where they've got?
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事情还会变成这样吗？
07:35
I don't think so. So,
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我认为不会。
所以我们应该如何解决这个问题，
07:38
how do you solve this problem,
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07:41
this such big difference between the
literacy [rate] of the Portuguese,
literacy [rate] of the Portuguese,
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如何解决存在于葡萄牙人
实际读写能力
实际读写能力
07:45
that is down here, and the complexity
of the public documents,
of the public documents,
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这么低，和那些日常须知的
公共文件的复杂度，
公共文件的复杂度，
07:48
those ones we need to understand
in our daily lives, sorry,
in our daily lives, sorry,
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那么高，之间的
07:51
that are up here?
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巨大差距？
07:53
So, the first think that comes to mind is,
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所以，最先进入脑海的想法应该是：
07:55
"If literacy is down here, let's make it rise" -- isn't it?
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如果读写率这么低，让我们来提升一下。
07:59
Let's educate people.
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是吗？让我们来教育人群。
08:00
Let's, let's... of course we will,
of course we will educate people.
of course we will educate people.
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让我们……当然，我们会教育大众的。
08:04
The thing is, it's hard and it's slow.
And I don't even want to imagine
And I don't even want to imagine
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问题是这很难，而且速度很慢。
我都不愿去想象
我都不愿去想象
08:08
how many generations it will take until we are
at Sweden's level.
at Sweden's level.
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需要多少代人才能使
我们达到瑞典的水平。
我们达到瑞典的水平。
08:12
But, besides that, it's not only because it is slow.
There is another problem.
There is another problem.
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但除此之外，不仅是慢的问题。
其实还有另一个问题。
其实还有另一个问题。
08:14
If the language of the documents
isn't simpler,
isn't simpler,
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如果文件用语无法简明化，
08:18
we've already seen that people, even with
a high literacy level, like you,
a high literacy level, like you,
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我们已经见证了和你们一样
具有高读写能力的人们，
具有高读写能力的人们，
08:23
if the language is hard, they don't get cleared,
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在复杂语言环境下，
他们仍然会搞不清，
他们仍然会搞不清，
08:26
they continue to be unable to understand
these documents.
these documents.
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他们依旧无法理解这些文件。
08:29
So, besides increasing literacy [rate], and for now,
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所以，现在，除了需要提高读写率以外，
08:33
it's much more important to reduce
the complexity of documents
the complexity of documents
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更重要的是去降低文件的复杂程度，
08:37
and simplify the language.
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去简化语言。
08:42
I'm going to show you an example.
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我给你们一个例子。
08:44
When I talk about simplifying the language.
Notice!
Notice!
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当我谈论到简化语言。
注意！
注意！
08:46
On the left side of a contract:
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在合约的左侧：
08:50
"It is agreed that the insurance company, bla bla bla,
bla bla bla, bla bla..."
bla bla bla, bla bla..."
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“一致认同的是保险公司，等等，……”
08:53
This is a before and after example. What do we mean with simplifying language?
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这是一个简化前后的对比例子。
简化语言是什么意思呢？
简化语言是什么意思呢？
08:58
It's communicating in a simple and clear way,
enabling our reader to understand it at first glance.
enabling our reader to understand it at first glance.
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是以一种更加简洁清晰的方式去表达，
以便于读者更好而直观的理解内容。
以便于读者更好而直观的理解内容。
09:06
What do you prefer? Before or after?
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你更偏向哪一种？
之前的还是之后的？
之前的还是之后的？
09:10
There isn't much doubt, is there?
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这个问题的答案毫无争议，不是吗？
09:12
So, how is this achieved? How can you make
the State and companies communicate
the State and companies communicate
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所以我们应该如何实现这呢？
我们怎样才能让国家和公司
我们怎样才能让国家和公司
09:18
with citizens in a language they can understand
at first glance?
at first glance?
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以一种众人皆知的语言去交流？
09:21
There are several ways. There are countries
that are going by the path of legislation.
that are going by the path of legislation.
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有几种办法。
有些国家采取了立法途径。
有些国家采取了立法途径。
09:25
For example, Sweden and the United States
introduced, last year, a legislation that forces
introduced, last year, a legislation that forces
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举个例子，瑞典和美国在去年，
通过了法案，强制国家
通过了法案，强制国家
09:31
the State to communicate with people in
a language they can understand.
a language they can understand.
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以民众能够理解的语言去沟通。
09:34
And you think, "Well, that's normal.
They are countries that are a bit ahead.
They are countries that are a bit ahead.
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然后你就想，“好吧，那很正常。
毕竟它们是稍微领先的国家。
毕竟它们是稍微领先的国家。
09:37
"Sweden, maybe, much more than the United States.
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瑞典，也许比美国更先进。
09:40
"But they are countries that are a bit ahead.
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但总而言之，它们都是稍微领先的国家。
09:41
"It would be nice if in our country there was also
legislation towards that, wouldn't it be?"
legislation towards that, wouldn't it be?"
161
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要是在我们的国家
也有相关立法该多好啊！”
也有相关立法该多好啊！”
09:45
So it would. And there is! Since 1999.
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所以真的变成现实了。
自从1999年，
自从1999年，
09:49
The Law of the Administrative Modernization
says that
says that
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现代化行政部门的法令要求
09:52
the communication between the State and the people
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国家与人民之间应该使用更加
09:55
should be simple, clear, concise, meaningful,
without acronyms, bla bla bla...
without acronyms, bla bla bla...
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简洁，清晰，表意明确的语言交流，
不使用首字母缩写词等等。
不使用首字母缩写词等等。
10:00
But the thing is: it is not applied. So, the question,
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但事实上，这些法令并没有得到应用。
所以，现在的问题是
所以，现在的问题是
10:02
the path of going through legislation,
enforcing through legislation,
enforcing through legislation,
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通过法律途径，
通过立法加强，
通过立法加强，
10:05
works in those countries where laws
are made to be applied.
are made to be applied.
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只在那些制定法律是为了
实施的国家起作用。
实施的国家起作用。
10:09
Now, there is another way, the way of marketing.
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好吧，还有另一种，通过营销途径。
10:14
How does that work? It's like this:
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这又是如何起效的呢？是这样的：
10:17
private companies change their language;
communicate in a clearer and simpler way,
communicate in a clearer and simpler way,
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私企改变他们的语言；
使用更加简明的方式书写，
使用更加简明的方式书写，
10:21
they make a big fuss about it, consumers love it,
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他们对此大做文章，
而消费者喜欢这些，
而消费者喜欢这些，
10:24
the sales rise, it works beautifully.
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2874
销量上涨了，效果很好。
10:26
But it works for the private sector.
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但这只对私人部门企业有作用。
10:28
Now, what is the third path, and to me,
the most important one?
the most important one?
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现在，第三种道路，也是我本人
最重视的途径是什么的？
最重视的途径是什么的？
10:34
It's the path of civil movements,
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是基于心理变化上的
10:36
that are based in a mentality shift.
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市民运动方式。
10:38
In countries where this really went forward --
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在那些实施这些运动的国家——
10:41
do you remember the English label, of the
"Plain English Campaign"? --
"Plain English Campaign"? --
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2159
你还记得我提的那个英语标签，
“简明英语运动”——
“简明英语运动”——
10:43
this is all based on a consumers' movement.
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这些都是基于消费者的运动的。
10:46
So, what does it take for that civic movement
to happen?
to happen?
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所以，怎样才能促使市民运动发生呢？
10:51
We need to understand two very important things:
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我们需要理解很重要的两点：
10:54
First, wanting to understand these
public documents is not a whim,
public documents is not a whim,
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其一，要知道这些公共文件并非一时兴起，
10:59
is not an intellectual curiosity.
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不是好奇心需求。
11:01
It is a necessity that I have in my daily life.
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它们在我们日常生活中是必要的。
11:03
And above all, it is a right, it is everyone's right.
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3148
最重要的一点，这是一种权利，
是我们每个人的权利。
是我们每个人的权利。
11:07
On this side we have: understanding is a right.
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在这里，我们要明白：
理解是一种权利。
理解是一种权利。
11:10
And we have to understand another thing too,
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1604
我们以必须认识到另一点，
11:12
which is: he who writes, has to write in order
to be understood.
to be understood.
189
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3573
那就是：那个写作的人，
必须以被理解为目的进行写作。
必须以被理解为目的进行写作。
11:15
How do we get there?
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我们要如何实现呢？
11:18
First of all: we have to become demanding
consumers and citizens.
consumers and citizens.
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首先：我们自己必须做
高要求的消费者和公民。
高要求的消费者和公民。
11:22
Think it this way: next time someone
gives you a document
gives you a document
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这样说吧：下次当有人给你一份
11:27
that you just simply don't understand, don't be shy,
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你看不懂的文件时，不要感到害羞，
11:30
don't keep quiet, pretending that you are
understanding everything.
understanding everything.
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2724
不要保持沉默，或假装你能够看得懂。
11:33
No! Demand to understand. Ask.
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2620
不要！你需要知道。去提问吧。
11:35
I know that this is not easy. Turn to the gentleman
in the little suite and say:
in the little suite and say:
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我知道这并不容易。
转身朝向房间里的绅士，询问：
转身朝向房间里的绅士，询问：
11:39
"Look here, this contract, this part,
what does this mean?"
what does this mean?"
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“看一下这份合约的这个部分，是什么意思？”
11:42
It's not easy, and perhaps it's even a bit
embarrassing, isn't it?
embarrassing, isn't it?
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这并不容易，也许还会
有一点儿尴尬，是吗？
有一点儿尴尬，是吗？
11:46
But it is not. It's a sign of intelligence.
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不，不是这样的。这是聪明的表现。
11:48
What do you teach your children when
they have doubts in school?
they have doubts in school?
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当你们的孩子们在学校产生疑问时，
你们是如何教导他们的？
你们是如何教导他们的？
11:51
"Don't say nothing to anyone, shut up really good
and act smart."
and act smart."
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3589
“别告诉任何人，保持沉默并假装聪明。”
11:55
No, you don't, right? You say:
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1784
不，你不会这么说，对吧？你会说：
11:57
"Look, when you don't understand, you put your hand
up in the air and ask the teacher until you are cleared."
up in the air and ask the teacher until you are cleared."
203
710357
3859
“恩，当你有不懂的地方的时候，高举你的手，
问老师问题，直到弄清楚为止。”
问老师问题，直到弄清楚为止。”
12:01
And that is exactly what we have to do,
as consumers and citizens.
as consumers and citizens.
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4004
作为消费者和社会公民，我们也该这么做。
12:05
So, next time you come across with
a document you don't understand,
a document you don't understand,
205
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4625
所以，当你下次遇到看不懂的文件，
12:09
demand to understand, put aside your pride and ask
206
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2806
要求去弄懂，放下你的傲气，
12:12
until you get completely cleared.
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2140
询问直到你完全弄懂。
12:14
Then, there's the other side, which is:
"Okay, these awful documents
"Okay, these awful documents
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5491
然后，就另一个问题，我会说：
“好吧，这些糟糕的文件，
“好吧，这些糟糕的文件，
12:20
"which are in circulation, they don't grow on trees.
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2107
是在流通当中的，它们不是长在树上的。
12:22
"Someone wrote them." Hum?
210
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2094
某些人撰写了它们。”是吧？
12:24
Maybe, among this big group, some persons...
211
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4503
也许，在这些大群体当中，一部分人……
12:28
I don't know, some lawyers, some public employees --
I'm not asking you to identify yourselves,
I'm not asking you to identify yourselves,
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4653
我也不清楚，一些律师，一些公职人员——
我不是在要求你们去指认自己，
我不是在要求你们去指认自己，
12:33
but I ask you to search your own conscience.
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2533
我是在要求你们寻找自己的良知。
12:36
How many times do you write documents
for the general public,
for the general public,
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3339
你们曾为大众撰写过多少文件，
12:39
for people that don't share your language,
215
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2616
曾使用你的语言，为那些
12:42
and you write them in a language that
only you will understand?
only you will understand?
216
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2669
与你语种相异的人们写过多少文件？
12:44
And you'll say: "Ah, that's because
there is a reason, here!"
there is a reason, here!"
217
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3025
然后你们会说：“额，那是有原因的，这儿！”
12:47
Dear friends, I already heard all the reasons.
218
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1592
亲爱的朋友们，各种理由我都听说过了。
12:49
There are thousands of reasons. They go like these:
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2765
有上千种理由，像是：
12:52
"Ah, it's the house's culture"; "Oh, my boss!"
220
765178
1974
“这是地方文化。”
“哦，我的老板规定这样的！”
“哦，我的老板规定这样的！”
12:54
"Oh, the judge! And what if this goes to court?"
221
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2775
“是为了法官，如果说这些
需要用于法庭裁决呢？”
需要用于法庭裁决呢？”
12:56
"What you want is to destroy language.
We have to educate people."
We have to educate people."
222
769927
2581
“你这是在摧毁语言，我们需要教育人们。”
12:59
"We can't lower the level"; bla, bla, bla...
223
772508
1975
“我们不能降低水准”等等。
13:01
I've seen all of this. These are excuses.
224
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2421
这些我都见识过，这些都是借口。
13:03
A while ago, they told us about Einstein.
225
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2571
不久之前，他们和我们讲了
关于爱因斯坦的故事。
关于爱因斯坦的故事。
13:06
Einstein said this: "If you can't write about a subject,
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爱因斯坦说：“如果你无法用
一种简洁的语言描述一种事物，
一种简洁的语言描述一种事物，
13:10
in a simple way, it's because, in fact,
you don't understand it."
you don't understand it."
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那是因为，事实上你并不理解它。”
13:13
So, if you... (Applause)
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所以说，假如你……（掌声）
13:16
To Einstein... (Applause)
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对于爱因斯坦……（掌声）
13:18
To Einstein...(Applause)
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对爱因斯坦……（掌声）
13:20
So -- ah, ah, I don't have time! --
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额，我没有足够的时间了！
13:22
so, if you do know what you want to say --
don't you? --
don't you? --
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所以说，如果你知道你想说什么
——你们知道的吧？
——你们知道的吧？
13:27
you are aware of what you want to say,
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——如果你们明白想表达的内容的话，
13:29
you just have to do one thing: believe that it is
possible to write in a simple way.
possible to write in a simple way.
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你们只需要做一件事：
相信简洁的表达是完全可能的。
相信简洁的表达是完全可能的。
13:34
And how do you do that?
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你们该如何做呢？
13:36
It's very easy. You write to your grandmother.
Hum?
Hum?
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这很简单。就当写给你们的祖母，怎样？
13:40
You write to your grandmother. I'm going
to show grandma to you.
to show grandma to you.
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写给你们的奶奶。
我给你们看一下奶奶。
我给你们看一下奶奶。
13:41
(Laughter)
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（笑声）
13:44
You write with respect and without paternalism.
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你们要使用尊重的语言，
脱去家长作风。
脱去家长作风。
13:45
And you use three techniques that I'm going
to teach you. First of all:
to teach you. First of all:
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我将教给你们三种技巧。首先：
13:49
Start by the most important.
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把最重要的写在最前头。
13:51
Grandma has a lot to do. She is not going to read
three pages to get to the main idea.
three pages to get to the main idea.
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奶奶很忙碌的。她不会打算
从三页纸当中找寻中心思想的。
从三页纸当中找寻中心思想的。
13:55
Start by the most important.
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把最重要的写在最前头。
13:57
Next, use short sentences, because grandma,
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接下来，使用简短的句子，
因为奶奶，
因为奶奶，
14:01
like anyone of us,
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就像我们每个人一样，
14:02
if you make very long sentences,
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如果你使用过长的句子，
14:04
she gets to the end and she can't remember what
you said in the beginning, anymore.
you said in the beginning, anymore.
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当她读完句子的时候，
她就会记不得句子开头的部分。
她就会记不得句子开头的部分。
14:06
And lastly, the third, use plain words, those ones
that grandma knows.
that grandma knows.
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最后，第三点，使用平语，
使用奶奶知道的那些词汇。
使用奶奶知道的那些词汇。
14:11
Alright? It's easy!
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好吗？很简单的！
14:13
Before I leave,
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在我离开之前，
14:15
I would like to talk to you about "Clara" (Clear).
"Clara" is a project of social responsibility.
"Clara" is a project of social responsibility.
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我想和你们谈谈“Clara”（葡萄牙语）
“Clara”是一个关于社会责任的项目。
“Clara”是一个关于社会责任的项目。
14:18
It has this mission: to change the way how public communication is made.
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它有一个任务：去改变大众交流的方式。
14:22
What do we do?
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我们应该怎么做呢？
14:23
We are going to launch this year
a collection of "Claro" guides,
a collection of "Claro" guides,
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我们即将发行本年度的“Claro”指南，
14:27
that is, we are going to pick very, very,
very complex subjects and put them simple.
very complex subjects and put them simple.
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其中，我们选取了非常，非常复杂的
那些内容，然后使用简洁的方式表达它们。
那些内容，然后使用简洁的方式表达它们。
14:31
We are going to start with the
"Claro" Guide of Justice.
"Claro" Guide of Justice.
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我们就那“Claro”《法律指南》开始说吧。
14:33
I think it is an area... that comes in handy.
(Applause)
(Applause)
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我想这个领域，应该是手到擒来吧。
（掌声）
（掌声）
14:37
And now I'm going to follow Manuel [Forjaz]'s advise.
If it's time to ask,
If it's time to ask,
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我正要跟从曼纽尔先生的建议。
现在是时候询问了，
现在是时候询问了，
14:39
whoever wants to sponsor the
"Claro" Guide of Justice -- I don't know...
"Claro" Guide of Justice -- I don't know...
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如果有谁想要赞助“Claro”《法律指南》
——我不知道，
——我不知道，
14:42
for example, the EDP Foundation, or...ha? --
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举个例子，EDP基金会，或者，嗯……
14:45
come talk to me later.
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可以等会儿来和我谈谈。
14:48
Another thing we will do is to grant prizes
to the worse and best documents,
to the worse and best documents,
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我们做的另一件事，就是
给最好和最糟糕的文件颁奖，
给最好和最糟糕的文件颁奖，
14:53
because, indeed, there are people who are working
to communicate in a clearer way,
to communicate in a clearer way,
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因为，事实上，有不少人正为
语言的简洁化目标奋斗着，
语言的简洁化目标奋斗着，
14:56
and that have to be rewarded,
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他们需要被嘉奖，
14:57
and there are lazy people that do nothing
about it and need to be humiliated.
about it and need to be humiliated.
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而那些对此熟视无睹的懒人们，
他们需要被羞辱。
他们需要被羞辱。
15:01
So, we'll give prizes to the worst and to the best.
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所以我们要为最好和最坏的颁奖。
15:03
I'm counting on your help. (Applause)
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我正指望着你们的帮助。（谢谢）
15:05
(Applause)
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（掌声）
15:10
We are going to launch... we are going to launch
the campaign via Clara's Facebook,
the campaign via Clara's Facebook,
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我们将会，将会通过Clara
的Facebook发布一项运动
的Facebook发布一项运动
15:14
so, send your friendship request and
you'll be up to date.
you'll be up to date.
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所以，申请添加好友，你将获得最新资讯。
15:17
But, lastly, above all, what does "Clara" want?
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但是，最重要的，
“Clara”的目标究竟是什么？
“Clara”的目标究竟是什么？
15:19
It wants to put two little things in your heads.
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它希望能够在你们的头脑里植入两个观点。
15:21
The first one: demand to understand. Don't be shy.
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第一：要去理解，不要害羞。
15:25
And write in order to be understood.
Write to your grandma.
Write to your grandma.
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还有就是以理解为目的的去写作，
就当是为你们的奶奶写作。
就当是为你们的奶奶写作。
15:29
And if you don't have a grandmother, write to
Mr. Domingos, he will like it.
Mr. Domingos, he will like it.
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如果你们没有奶奶，就当是为了
多明戈斯先生吧，他会喜欢的。
多明戈斯先生吧，他会喜欢的。
15:33
Thank you. (Applause)
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谢谢。（掌声）
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Sandra Fisher-Martins - Translator, plain language activistSandra Fisher-Martins fights “information apartheid” -- the barrier created by overly complex language.
Why you should listen
Sandra Fisher Martins helps Portuguese businesses and government agencies introduce clarity to their communications. After seeing a Plain English campaign in England, she was inspired to establish Portugues Claro -- a consulting and training firm that works to ensure that people are not disenfranchised by what she calls an "information apartheid" that keeps the majority of her fellow Portuguese from fully understanding documents they need for their daily lives. She is working to develop Euro-clear, a European diploma in clear communication.
Find more examples of plain language at Portugues Claro's website.
Sandra Fisher-Martins | Speaker | TED.com