[MassHistPres] Guide to Diction for a Public Monument

[Tucker, Jonathan]

Kathy:

I am not aware of an existing standard for language use on public monuments though I suspect more than one such instructive guide was written in the 19th century.  The purpose, subject, and character of the memorial itself might well dictate the answer.

Otherwise, I would assume that, unless you are planning to have all memorial text written out in the five or so principal world languages, you would use plain standard English with correct grammar and as few multi-syllable words as possible.  Translations can be in the brochure that the Chamber of Commerce publishes for the memorial and other attractions in Acton.

Jonathan Tucker
Planning Director
Amherst Planning Department
4 Boltwood Avenue, Town Hall
Amherst, MA  01002
(413) 259-3040
tuckerj at amherstma.gov     



-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Acerbo Bachmann, Kathryn
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 1:59 PM
To: MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Guide to Diction for a Public Monument


The Town of Acton is in the process of designing a memorial- is there a
standard or guide to the diction that would be generally viewed as
appropriate for a public monument?

Thanks so much,

Kathy Acerbo-Bachmann
Chair, Acton Historic District Commission 

Kathryn Acerbo-Bachmann, Director of Art & Architecture Programs
Trinity Church in the City of Boston
206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: 617-536-0944, Facsimile: 617-536-8916

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