Lihtteksti

Lihtteksti refers to a simplified form of written Estonian designed to be easier to read and understand. It aims to lower cognitive load by using everyday vocabulary, shorter sentences, and clearer structure. The concept is used in public service communications, educational materials, media, and online content to reach audiences with varying literacy levels, language skills, or cognitive abilities.

Typical characteristics include short sentences, common words, concrete nouns, active voice, explicit subjects, and the avoidance of specialized jargon, idioms, and ambiguous phrasing. Texts often employ signposting, clear headings, bullet lists, and examples to aid comprehension, and maintain a direct, formal but accessible tone.

Lihtteksti supports accessibility and inclusion by making essential information more reachable to non-native speakers, people with reading difficulties, the elderly, and others who benefit from straightforward explanations. It is commonly applied to public notices, forms, instructions, websites, and educational materials.

Guidelines for creating lihtteksti are influenced by the broader plain language movement. While specific standards vary, practitioners emphasize readability metrics, controlled vocabulary, plain grammar, and user testing to ensure understandability.

Challenges include balancing accuracy and simplicity, avoiding oversimplification or misinterpretation, and requiring time and resources for revision and testing. Critics warn that overly simplified texts can fail to convey necessary nuance, especially in legal or technical contexts.

Lihtteksti sits within the wider trend of plain language and accessible communication, reflecting ongoing efforts to make information clear and usable for diverse readers.