The Plain Language Big Book

The Plain Language Big Book is a tool to help readers understand the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939. This new book is designed so that the A.A. message can reach a wider audience and is more accessible to those who may struggle with the language of the original Big Book. The Plain Language Big Book is a translation of the original book, but it uses simpler language and more modern phrasing to make it easier for people to understand.

Introduction

The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, affectionately known as the “Big Book,” is a cornerstone of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. It’s a collection of personal stories and a guide to recovery from alcoholism, offering a path to sobriety through a 12-step program and the fellowship of shared experience. While the Big Book has been a source of hope and guidance for millions, its language, rooted in the 1930s, can present challenges for some readers. This is where the Plain Language Big Book emerges as a valuable resource. This new version of the Big Book is designed to make the AA message accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that the program’s core principles resonate with individuals who might find the original text daunting. The Plain Language Big Book embraces contemporary language and phrasing while staying true to the original message and spirit of the Big Book. This updated version aims to bridge any potential barriers to understanding, allowing the powerful message of recovery and fellowship to reach more individuals seeking a path to sobriety.

The need for a Plain Language Big Book arises from the recognition that language evolves over time. The original Big Book, written in the 1930s, reflects the language and cultural norms of that era. While its message remains timeless, its vocabulary and phrasing can sometimes be challenging for modern readers, particularly those who are new to the AA program. The Plain Language Big Book aims to bridge this gap by presenting the same core principles and stories in a language that is more relatable and understandable to a contemporary audience. This translation aims to ensure that the powerful message of recovery and fellowship reaches a broader range of individuals, regardless of their background or familiarity with the original text.

The Need for a Plain Language Version

The original Big Book, published in 1939, is a powerful and influential text that has guided countless individuals on their journey to recovery from alcoholism. However, its language, rooted in the vocabulary and cultural norms of the 1930s, can pose a barrier for some readers. The changing nature of language and the evolving demographics of those seeking support from AA necessitate a version of the Big Book that resonates with a wider audience. The language of the original text, while timeless in its message, can be challenging for modern readers, particularly those who are new to the AA program. This challenge can hinder their ability to fully grasp the principles and stories contained within the book, potentially impacting their engagement with the program.

Accessibility is crucial to the success of any recovery program. The Plain Language Big Book acknowledges the importance of making the AA message readily available and understandable to individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of literacy. By employing a simpler and more contemporary language, the Plain Language Big Book aims to break down barriers and ensure that the program’s core principles and personal stories resonate with a wider range of individuals. It acknowledges that language is a powerful tool that can either empower or hinder understanding, and it strives to create an inclusive experience where the message of recovery and fellowship can reach everyone who seeks it.

The need for a Plain Language Big Book underscores the commitment of AA to adapt and evolve while upholding its core values. It recognizes that inclusivity and accessibility are vital to expanding the program’s reach and ensuring that its message of hope and recovery reaches those who need it most. The Plain Language Big Book serves as a testament to AA’s ongoing dedication to making its program relevant and accessible to individuals in a rapidly changing world.

History of the Plain Language Big Book

The journey towards a Plain Language Big Book began at the 66th General Service Conference in 2016. The Conference Literature Committee, recognizing the need for greater accessibility in the Big Book, initiated discussions about developing a plain language version. The idea was not to replace or alter the original Big Book, but rather to create a companion text that would make the message of recovery more readily accessible to a wider audience. This initial discussion laid the groundwork for a comprehensive project that would ultimately lead to the creation of the Plain Language Big Book.

The development of the Plain Language Big Book was a collaborative effort involving members of the AA community, experts in language and accessibility, and representatives from the General Service Office. The project was carefully considered and debated at multiple levels, ensuring that the new book would remain faithful to the original message and spirit of the Big Book while employing a language that would resonate with contemporary readers. The process involved extensive research, analysis of the original text, and feedback from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The Plain Language Big Book is not simply a rewording of the original text. It is a careful translation that preserves the essence of the Big Book’s message while making it more understandable and relatable to a broader audience. The project reflects AA’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the program’s message of hope and recovery reaches those who need it most in a language that they can readily understand. The Plain Language Big Book is a testament to the ongoing evolution and adaptation of AA in response to the changing needs of those seeking support and recovery.

Key Features of the Plain Language Big Book

The Plain Language Big Book is designed to be accessible to a wider audience by employing a range of key features that enhance readability and comprehension. These features include⁚

• Simplified Language⁚ The Plain Language Big Book uses clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and complex sentence structures. It aims to make the message of recovery understandable to individuals with a wide range of reading abilities.
• Modern Phrasing⁚ The language in the Plain Language Big Book is updated to reflect contemporary usage and to avoid outdated or archaic terms. This helps make the text more relatable and engaging for today’s readers.
• Accessibility Features⁚ The Plain Language Big Book incorporates features that enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These features might include larger font sizes, increased spacing between lines, and the use of headings and subheadings to break up the text and improve readability.
• Focus on Key Concepts⁚ The Plain Language Big Book prioritizes the core concepts and principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It presents the message of recovery in a clear and straightforward manner, making it easier for readers to grasp the essential elements of the program.
• Enhanced Navigation⁚ The Plain Language Big Book includes features that improve navigation and make it easier for readers to find the information they need. These features might include indexes, tables of contents, and clear headings and subheadings.

By incorporating these key features, the Plain Language Big Book aims to make the message of recovery more accessible and relatable to a wider audience, promoting inclusivity and fostering a greater understanding of the AA program.

Impact and Reception

The Plain Language Big Book has generated significant discussion and debate within the Alcoholics Anonymous community, with a range of perspectives on its impact and reception. Some members have expressed enthusiasm for the project, believing it has the potential to make the message of recovery more accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who may find the language of the original Big Book challenging. They argue that the Plain Language Big Book can help bridge the gap between individuals seeking recovery and the resources available to them.

Others have raised concerns about the potential impact of a new version on the original Big Book and its place within the AA tradition. Some worry that the Plain Language Big Book might diminish the importance of the original text, which holds significant historical and spiritual value for many members. They also express concerns about the potential for misinterpretations or deviations from the core message of the original Big Book.

The reception of the Plain Language Big Book has been mixed, with some embracing its potential to expand access to the message of recovery, while others remain cautious about its potential impact on the original text and the AA tradition. The ongoing debate reflects the complex and nuanced relationship between tradition and change within Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Future of the Big Book

The future of the Big Book, both in its original form and its Plain Language version, is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion and debate within Alcoholics Anonymous. The Plain Language Big Book represents a shift in how the message of recovery is being communicated, and its reception will likely shape how AA approaches its literature in the future. As the organization continues to evolve, the question of how to balance tradition with accessibility will remain central.

The original Big Book is not going away and will likely remain in publication alongside the Plain Language version. The original text holds significant historical and spiritual value for many members and will continue to be an important resource for those seeking recovery. However, the success of the Plain Language Big Book could lead to a greater emphasis on creating more accessible versions of AA literature in the future.

The Plain Language Big Book represents a potential turning point in AA’s approach to literature. It remains to be seen how the organization will navigate the complex relationship between tradition and change in the years to come, but the Plain Language Big Book has already sparked a conversation that will likely continue to shape the future of AA literature.

The Plain Language Big Book, a translation of the classic Alcoholics Anonymous text, represents a significant step in making the message of recovery accessible to a wider audience. Its creation reflects a growing awareness within Alcoholics Anonymous of the need to adapt its literature to meet the needs of a diverse and changing world. The Plain Language Big Book offers a fresh perspective on the principles of recovery, using language that is more relatable and understandable for modern readers. While the original Big Book remains a cherished resource for many, the Plain Language version has the potential to reach those who may have been previously intimidated by the language or complexity of the original text.

The Plain Language Big Book is not a replacement for the original text, but rather a companion that offers a new way to engage with the principles of recovery. It is a testament to the ongoing evolution of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that is constantly striving to adapt and grow in order to serve its members and reach those who are seeking help. The success of the Plain Language Big Book suggests that the future of AA literature will continue to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that the message of recovery is available to all who need it.