Plain language applications
Plain language newspapers
The first plain language current affairs newspaper to come out in Finland, Leija, for developmentally disabled readers, was established in 1983. The newspaper is published by The Finnish Association of Societies for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Also the plain language newspapers, Selkouutiset (Plain Language News), and its Swedish-language affiliate, LL-Bladet, have been published in Finland since 1990. The bi-weekly Plain Language News is published by the Plain Language Centre and it serves of all the target groups of plain language.
Plain language literature
In Finland plain language books are produced by different publishers, which can apply for state support for plain language literature through the Plain Language Working Party of the Plain Language Centre. The Working Party sees that the books meet the requirements for plain language and issues the plain language logo. Around 8–12 plain language books are published in Finland annually, so far totaling around 200 titles. The Plain Language Centre distributes and markets books for different publishers and coordinates cooperation among the publishers.
Plain language booklets
The Plain Language Centre publishes a number of plain language booklets every year with different partners, including public authorities and ministries. The booklets have dealt with, for example, fire safety, the Finnish Constitution, legal protection, the use of mobile phones, the Parliament, etc.
Plain language Internet site
Finland’s most extensive plain language Internet site can be found at www.papunet.net/selko. The site includes the Internet edition of Plain Language News and a large collection of information on different topics (subject entities on e.g. social, everyday and current affairs). A plain language website for people with developmental disabilities can be found at www.verneri.net.
Other plain language sites can be found among the links at www.selko.fi.
Plain language radio programs
YLE Radio Finland has been broadcasting plain language news since 1992. The five-minute news brief is broadcast daily.
Other applications
Research is presently carried out in Finland on the application of plain language principles in interaction and spoken language. Individual plays, recitals, radio plays and CD-ROM programs have also been produced in Finland over the years.