What is 'legalese'? An animated explainer

33,730 views ・ 2021-12-31

BBC Learning English


Please double-click on the English subtitles below to play the video.

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Is this the most complicated form of English?
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'Legalese' – it's the language used by lawyers
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and if you've ever read the small print,
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you probably already know it can be confusing.
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Not only can sentences be very long...
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...they also often include terms in Latin...
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...and old fashioned words like these:
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Perhaps it's no wonder the Cambridge Dictionary
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defines Legalese this way:
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'language used by lawyers and in legal documents
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that is difficult for ordinary people to understand'.
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Don't worry – it's even hard for native speakers.
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But why is it like this?
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Many lawyers say it's to make legal documents
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as precise as possible,
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so there is no ambiguity,
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while others admit it could be simplified.
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Whatever you think, we suggest you learn a few key phrases,
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like these from this series,
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because learning the language of law
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can help make you a better English speaker,
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and maybe even help you understand your rights.
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Just make sure you're sitting comfortably
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before you begin.
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