A discussion during the workshop I’m attending about using overly complicated and specialized terminology reminded me of a pet peeve of mine: Why can’t airplanes use “the language of the people”.
Consider what you hear when you travel: “Comply with all necessary signs and placards”. “In the case of an overwater landing, your seat cushions may be used as a floatation device.” “Tampering with Lavatory Smoke Detection Devices”. “Passengers in the coach section should use the aft lavatories”
Why can’t they use simple phrases, that even someone that watches Jerry Springer can understand: “Follow the signs. Use the rear bathrooms. Your cushion floats. Fuck with the smoke detectors and we throw you off the plane in mid-air.” I recall that one airline, perhaps it was PSA or Southwest, did simplify this wording once.
Are the complicated phrases mandated by the government? Is this fixed government-speak? If you’re going to instruct the sheeple on a plane, use words we can understand. Especially if you want us to follow them.
Update: It appears that this wording comes from a FAR: This briefing shall include a statement that the Federal Aviation Regulations require passenger compliance with the lighted passenger information signs, posted placards, areas designated for safety purposes as no smoking areas, and crewmember instructions with regard to these items. The briefing shall also include a statement that Federal law prohibits tampering with, disabling, or destroying any smoke detector in an airplane lavatory; smoking in lavatories; and, when applicable, smoking in passenger compartments.
Of course, government speak! I should be familiar with this from reading DoD documents!
