Clear the Page

Abstract

Layout, how content is distributed on the page, has a huge impact on L2 readability. Writers and publishers can greatly enhance readability by paying attention to some key layout features. Unfortunately, modern printing practices often end up reducing overall readability in an attempt to save paper (Weiss in The Elements of International English Style. M. E. Sharpe, New York; London, 2004 [1]). Layout issues are especially problematic for L2 readers whose first language is typographically different from English. For example, languages that read from right to left, such as Arabic, and non-alphabet-based languages, such as Chinese and Japanese, look very different on the page. This makes clarity of page layout critical for many L2 readers. This chapter discusses how to reduce distractions on the page to enhance readability for L2 readers.