Readability: Difference between revisions

Different definitions of readability exist from various sources. The term "readability" is '''inherently broad''' and can become confusing when examining all of the possible definitions.<ref name="DaleChall3">Dale, Edgar and Jeanne S. Chall. 1949. "The concept of readability." ''Elementary English'' 26:23.</ref> Readability is a concept that involves '''audience, content, quality, legibility,''' and can even involve the '''formatting''' and '''design structure''' of any given text.<ref name="Harris19953">Harris, Theodore L. and Richard E. Hodges, eds. 1995. ''The Literacy Dictionary, The Vocabulary of Reading and Writing.'' Newark, DE: International Reading Assn.</ref> Therefore, the definition can fluctuate based on the type of audience to whom one is presenting a certain type of content to. For example, a technical writer might focus on clear and concise language and formatting that allows easy-reading. In contrast, a scholarly journal would use sophisticated writing that would appeal and make sense to the type of audience to whom they are directing information to.