Tuesday 24 February 2009

Simple English Wikipedia

I get very lazy to search words in dictionaries even though I don't understand them. Well, if I am online, I might just go define: word in the Google search bar but if I am reading a physical article (no, not ebooks), I normally don't bother. To my delight, Wikipedia's got a version written in simple English! The main page even says it! "The Simple English Wikipedia is for everyone! That includes children and adults who are learning English." :D

The guidelines when contributing to this simple English version:
  • Use easy words and shorter sentences. This lets people who know little English read them.
  • Write good pages. The best encyclopedia pages have useful, well written information.
  • Use the pages to learn and teach. These pages can help people learn English. You can also use them to make a new Wikipedia to help other people.
  • Simple doesn't mean little. Writing in Simple English means that simple words are used. It does not mean readers want simple information. Articles don't have to be short to be simple; expand articles, include a lot of information, but use basic vocabulary.
  • Be bold! Your article does not have to be perfect, because other editors will fix it and make it better. And most importantly, don't be afraid to start and make articles better yourself.
And guess what? I got to know about it from xkcd. ;)

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