There are also certain things to consider when writing texts. Although text is technically always readable, it can still be problematic for reading software that is supposed to pronounce the text comprehensibly. Below are a few key words on possible problem areas in texts.

Some abbreviations may be very well known, others rather unknown. In any case, the use of abbreviations increases the risk that the reading software will no longer be able to handle them correctly. This term includes not only well-known abbreviations suchas "e.g." or"etc.", but also acronyms ("Kripo","AStA","StVO").

see abbreviations (Wikipedia)

As you can see above, there is a way to explain abbreviations. To do this, you can click on the small book symbol in the toolbar of the TYPO3 editor and enter an abbreviation and the corresponding explanation. The long form is then always supplied and can be analysed by reading software.

Another well-known problem area for text-to-speech software is the use of alternative spellings, such as the gender star or other variations designed to achieve gender-neutral language, e.g. MitarbeiterInnen | Mitarbeiter:innen | Mitarbeiter*innen | Mitarbeiter_innen | Mitarbeiterïnnen.

Different text-to-speech software may handle these variants with varying degrees of success. In general, it can be said that reading problems are best avoided by refraining from using such special spellings.

At the UOL, of the special spellings mentioned, the asterisk variant has been designated as the one to be used where applicable.

A great deal of information on the advantages and disadvantages of these spellings can be found online. Some variants are explicitly described as not being accessible.

Skillful gender-neutral language – spellings

If "accessibility" is understood in the sense that no persons or groups of persons should be excluded from communication, this also affects the type of wording and communication. The university has adopted a guideline on gender-sensitive language and communication.

On the pages for which you are responsible in TYPO3, you are also responsible for keeping this UOL guideline in mind. In a nutshell, this means for you

• Use neutral terms for groups of people (e.g. "students", "members", "teaching staff").
• Where neutral formulations are not possible, please use spellings with an asterisk (e.g. "Referent*in"). You should avoid variants with other special characters in order to ensure that the University of Oldenburg's communication is as standardised as possible.
• If you request personal information in forms or similar, always give the option of providing non-binary or no personal details .
• Do you use images, videos and audio on your pages? Then ensure a balanced representation of diverse groups of people and avoid (gender) stereotypical depictions.

You can find the complete guideline and some useful tips for implementation on the website of the Chief Gender Equality Officer:

Information on the guideline for gender-sensitive language

Practical examples and formulation aids for gender-sensitive language

Glossary with gender-neutral terms

List of external links on the topic of gender-sensitive communication

There is also a list of keywords with suggestions:

The following formulation features also contribute to text comprehensibility:

General

• One sentence - one thought
• Write concretely instead of abstractly: "goal" instead of "objective", "administration" instead of "the administrative area"
• Formulate actively instead of passively: "XY prints flyers" instead of "Flyers are printed by xy":
• Avoid empty phrases: "We are facing a major challenge."
• Avoid bulky formulations: "on the part of", "in addition to", "for the purpose of" (bureaucratic style)
• Avoid or explain abbreviations
• Are all references clear?
• Lecture the text out loud
• Have the text proofread

Choice of words

• short words
• choose the simpler expression: effect instead of impact, change instead of modify
• Be careful with buzzwords: "proactively", "implement": "generate" or "create" instead of generate; "soon" instead of "promptly"
• Delete filler words: absolutely, therefore, actually, certainly, abundantly, quite, almost

Sentences

• Short sentences
• Break up nested sentences, avoid insertions where possible
• Is the sentence longer than you can breathe? If so, reorganise, simplify or shorten the sentence.

Nouns

• Check every word with endings -ung, - heit, -keit. If it fits, replace with a verb.
• Avoid nouns: "set goals" instead of "objective"

Adjectives

• use sparingly, always check. Double: "badly destroyed". meaningless: "far-reaching decisions"
• Avoid judgemental, euphemistic and, depending on the objective, promotional words

Verbs

• avoid dead verbs: to act around, to be, to be present, to have
• no nominal style: "recognise" instead of "give recognition"
• no bureaucratic style: bewerkstelligen, erstellen, befassen, erfolgen, beinhalten
• Good verbs are those that describe an action: run, scratch, examine, etc.

Foreign words

• replace: Inflammation, not inflammation
• Explain unavoidable technical terms