A Language to Air News of America to the World

Simplifying can seem somewhat demeaning.

Using a 1,500-word vocabulary and short, simple phrases without the idioms and clichés of colloquial English, broadcasters speak at about two-thirds the speed of conversational English.

The link between learning English and learning about America has been a constant thread in the debate in Congress this year about revising immigration policy.

A vocabulary of 1,500 words is adequate for news reporting, but for features and biographies, more words are allowed if they are explained in the context of the sentence.

“It closes the gap between textbook English and traditional broadcasts such as BBC or CNN, which are too difficult for the average student,” Mr. Rennaud said.

But at home, the Special English branch at Voice of America would support the use of its programming for recent immigrants in a bilingual model if the law did not prohibit it.