Webinar recap: language access webinar part 1 - communicating with English Language Learners

This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on February 27, 2025 as part of the Plain Language Foundations series. Check out the notes below or access the webinar recording and slides.

Language access overview

Language access

• Providing English learners “reasonable access” to the same resources + experiences as English speakers

• Achieved through:

  • Translation of written materials

  • Interpretation of spoken information

  • Using plain language

• Required by federal law 

• Cities + states may have additional requirements, such as translating documents into specific languages

Language Justice

• An evolving framework

• Belief that everyone has the right to communicate in the in the language that makes them feel most articulate and powerful

• Framework for intentionally breaking down systems that exclude or marginalize folks who don’t speak English 

Alternatives to “Limited English Proficiency” (LEP)

• English language learners

• Developing English skills

• Non-English language preference

• Language preference other than English

• Home language (other than English)

Key points from our panelists

When you’re communicating with English language learners:

• Be patient

• Avoid acronyms and jargon

• Explain ideas simply and clearly (use plain language!) 

• Slow down and allow time for understanding when speaking 

• Offer a variety of communication methods (email, in-person, video calls, etc.) to accommodate different preferences and comfort levels

• Ensure that any translation or interpretation services used are provided by qualified and trusted professionals

Additional considerations:

• Even if you don’t have interpretation on staff, having written materials translated can help bridge language gaps 

• Translation apps can be helpful for simple content but can be inaccurate for more complex information or specific dialects

• Legal language and other highly technical content can still be difficult, even after it’s translated (use plain language!)

  
  

Reflecting on your work 

1. What’s your organization’s language access plan?  2. How are you tailoring services and content to the specific language communities you serve? 3. Where might there be opportunities to shift away from English as the default language?

Tips for translation

Write in plain language

• Write simple + active sentences

• Use everyday vocabulary

• Avoid idioms and metaphors

• When you must use jargon, and technical language, ask yourself:

  • Does my audience need to know this term in English? 

  • Do I need to provide cultural context for this information? 

Translate for your community  

• Work with translators who share a cultural background with your audience

• Get feedback from your audience

• Collaborate with translators to create guides for staff to write content that’s easy to consistently translate 

Resources

• Language Access Resources - Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner

• Frequently Asked Questions on Legal Requirements to Provide Language Access Services - Migration Policy Institute 

• Language Justice - Community Language Cooperative

• Moving From Language Access to Justice - de Beaumont Foundation

• Rethinking the Term “Limited English Proficiency” to Improve Language-Appropriate Healthcare for All - PMC 

Interested in learning more about professional development at Clear Language Lab? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.

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