There are 2,800 spoken languages in the world, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations (UN) recognize six official languages. In today’s globalized world, the need for a lingua franca—a common language to communicate complex technical information—has never been greater.
As the complexity of technical systems increases, so does the demand for clear and precise communication. For example, airplane manuals have expanded from 100 pages to 500,000 pages in the last century. The maritime and transportation industries face similar challenges, making standardized language essential.
English is often chosen as the primary language for international technical communication, yet it is not the first language for many users. Its complex sentence structures and words with multiple meanings can lead to misinterpretations, misuse, and safety hazards. To address these challenges, controlled languages have been developed.
What Are Controlled Languages?
Controlled languages are subsets of natural languages designed to minimize complexity and ambiguity, ensuring clarity in technical documents. They are primarily used to:
- Improve human readability
- Reduce translation errors
- Enable more reliable machine translation
The concept of controlled language dates back to the 1930s, when Charles Ogden introduced BASIC English. This effort laid the groundwork for future developments in controlled technical communication.
Evolution of Controlled Languages
- BASIC English (1930s) – One of the first controlled language attempts.
- Caterpillar Fundamental English (1970s) – Developed by Caterpillar Inc. to improve maintenance and operational instructions for its machinery.
- Plain English (1990s) – Introduced to simplify legal and business communication.
- ASD Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100) – A specialized controlled language used in transportation, security, and defense industries.
ASD Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100)
ASD Simplified Technical English (STE) is a globally recognized standard that follows strict writing rules and uses a controlled dictionary. This ensures that technical documentation is:
- Consistently structured
- Easier to translate into multiple languages
- Clearer for non-native English speakers
ASD-STE100 in the Maritime Industry
ASD-STE100 is commonly referenced in S1000D, an international specification for the documentation of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) projects. In the maritime, aerospace, and defense industries, where safety and precision are critical, this standardized language helps reduce risks associated with misunderstanding technical documents.
Pros and Cons of Using Controlled Languages
Pros:
✔ More effective communication – Reduces misunderstandings and improves safety
✔ Minimized translation errors – Lowers costs for multilingual documentation
✔ Enhanced readability – Increases efficiency for operators and maintenance personnel
✔ Standardization – Ensures uniformity across industries
Cons:
❌ Requires training – Writers must learn new rules and vocabulary
❌ Involves additional effort – Content must be structured within strict guidelines
The Future of Controlled Languages in Maritime and Transportation
With the rise of automation and AI-driven translation tools, controlled languages will play an even bigger role in ensuring accurate technical communication. Industries that rely on clear, concise, and unambiguous instructions—such as the maritime, aviation, and defense sectors—will benefit significantly from adopting controlled language practices.
For marine OEMs, shipbuilders, and transportation companies, investing in ASD Simplified Technical English or similar controlled language standards will lead to fewer operational errors, improved user comprehension, and lower translation costs.
Final Thoughts
As technical systems continue to evolve, the importance of controlled languages will only grow. By implementing ASD-STE100 and other controlled language standards, companies can ensure better documentation, improved safety, and streamlined global communication—a critical step toward efficiency in the modern industrial world.
Would you like help implementing controlled language strategies in your manuals? Let’s discuss how to optimize your documentation for clarity and compliance!