Additional service – lay language

Lay language, or non-specialist language, is a form of communication that uses simple, universally
understandable expressions and avoids complex terms and technical jargon. It is often used to convey
specialized information, such as medical or scientific content, so that it remains accessible to people
without expert knowledge.

It is worth emphasizing that Good Lay Summary Practice (GLSP) is a European Union initiative aimed
at facilitating access to essential information for a broad audience, regardless of their education level.
Through this initiative, GLSP promotes principles of clear communication, ensuring that scientific and
medical texts become more understandable and can more effectively serve society.

Why is lay language important?

1. Enhances understanding – It allows essential information, like research findings or health recommendations,
to be communicated in a way that is easily understood by a wide audience.

2. Increases engagement and awareness – People who understand the information presented to them
are more likely to engage and take action. For example, patients who better understand diagnoses and
recommendations are more likely to follow medical advice.

3. Reduces the risk of misinformation and misinterpretation – Simple language minimizes the chance of
misunderstanding, which is crucial for information that impacts health or finances.

4. Builds trust – Communicating in a way that is clear to the recipient fosters a sense of security and trust
in the person or institution delivering the information.

Thanks to the EU’s GLSP initiative, lay language has become a vital tool that enables specialists to
reach a wider audience, ensuring that information is accessible and understandable for everyone.