Selvvyys

Selvvyys is a Finnish concept describing the quality of being clear and easily understood in communication. The term derives from selvä, meaning clear, with the noun suffix -vyys, and it is used in linguistics and public discourse to denote how transparently a message conveys its intended meaning.

In practice, selvvyys covers lexical choice, sentence structure, and overall coherence. Texts with high selvvyys use precise terms, direct syntax, logical organization, and explicit connections between ideas. In spoken language, it relates to how well listeners can follow the speaker’s argument without ambiguity. The concept is relevant in education, governance, journalism, and corporate communication, where clarity is valued for accessibility and reducing misinterpretation.

Assessment of selvvyys is not standardized. Researchers and practitioners may rely on readability metrics, expert reviews, and audience testing to estimate how easily readers or listeners grasp the message, remember the main points, and apply the information.

Selvvyys intersects with but is not identical to luettavuus (readability) and plain language initiatives aimed at simplifying content. It is often pursued in conjunction with efforts to improve general comprehension, such as avoiding jargon, using concrete examples, and structuring information with clear headings and transitions.