Information transfer: the sequel

Since I wrote last month’s article, I have come across some new information that I would like to share with you.

I had always been aware that an email is a legal document but, until I read a news item, I was unaware that an emoji can be legally binding. A Canadian judge has ruled that a ‘thumbs-up’ emoji can be legally valid as a signature. The dispute was between a farmer and a grain buyer. The grain buyer had sent a picture of the contract for delivery of flax and had asked: “Please confirm flax contract.” The farmer replied with the thumbs-up emoji but claimed in court that the emoji just meant he had received the contract. The grain buyer perceived it to mean agreement to the contract.

I finished last month’s article with an emoji for visual emphasis. How you, as the reader, interpreted it was not critical; hopefully, it assisted in stimulating some thought. However, the above court case reinforces the importance of clarity in communication, whether it is written or visual.

The University of Edinburgh is leading a programme to develop sign language vocabulary covering environmental science terms (see: www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66464437). Environmental science has many long words and phrases, such as ‘greenhouse gases’ and ‘photosynthesis’, and their meaning can be difficult to convey. One of the most fascinating examples is that the sign developed for photosynthesis, a mime of the actual process, improved understanding in school children. The article goes on to explain that the use of hand movements to explain scientific concepts can aid understanding in both hearing and deaf children alike.

To help improve communications in industry, the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe has produced an international specification for the preparation of technical documentation in a controlled language, titled: ‘Simplified Technical English’. You can find a presentation on it by Daniela Zambrini, which can be accessed at: www.lr-coordination.eu/sites/default/files/Technical Workshop/8_Zambrini.pdf

The ASD-STE100 specification is a set of rules and controlled vocabulary that makes technical texts unambiguous and easier to understand, especially for non-native speakers of English. Software is now available (for a fee) to check relevant documents for compliance with ASD specification (for example, see: www.boeing.com/company/key-orgs/licensing/simplified-english-checker.page).

I am going to take the advice given on the title page of Daniela’s presentation: ‘Less is more. Keeping it short and simple’. We can all help improve understanding and performance through clearer communications.

Please note that the views expressed in this column are the author’s own personal ramblings for the purpose of encouraging discussion within NDT News. They do not represent the views of Jacobs or BINDT.

Letters can be mailed to The Editor, NDT News, Midsummer House, Riverside Way, Bedford Road, Northampton NN1 5NX, UK. Email: ndtnews@bindt.org or email Bernard McGrath direct at bernard.mcgrath1@jacobs.com

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