Exploring the Length of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in English

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, is a landmark document that defines fundamental rights that every human being is entitled to. This declaration has had a profound impact on legislation, policies, and human rights advocacy worldwide. One interesting aspect of the UDHR is its word count, which can provide insights into its structure and content.

Understanding the Word Count

When the UDHR is analyzed using a common word processor, the word count can vary depending on the specifics of the document, such as whether titles and paragraphs are included. According to a detailed analysis, the UDHR contains 1,862 words when the title is included. However, without the title, the document comprises 1,862 - 81 1,781 words. Different methods of counting may yield slight variations, but these figures are generally accurate and provide a reliable representation of the document's content.

Characteristics of the UDHR

The English translation of the UDHR can be broken down into several key metrics that help us understand its structure. Using a word processor, the following details were noted:

Characters: 8,856 characters, slightly more than the word count due to spaces and other characters. Words: 1,741 words, making it a relatively short but comprehensive document. Sentences: 101 sentences, indicating a clear and concise writing style. Paragraphs: 90 paragraphs, breaking down complex ideas into more manageable sections. Pages: 5 pages, formatted as 8.5" x 11" with 1-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font.

The document's characteristics, such as the number of words, sentences, and paragraphs, reflect its structure designed for easy readability and understanding. The simplicity in structure is intentional, aiming to ensure that the principles of human rights can be easily grasped by people from diverse backgrounds and educational levels.

Analysis of the Text

The analysis also provides us with insights into the writing style of the UDHR. For example, the average word length is 5 characters, which is relatively short. This suggests a straightforward and accessible writing style. Additionally, the average words per sentence is 17, while the maximum sentence length is 83 words. These figures indicate that the UDHR avoids overly long and complex sentences, enhancing its readability and ability to convey its message succinctly.

Conclusion

The English translation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is both concise and comprehensive. Its word count of 1,862 words (or 1,781 without the title) and the attached characteristics highlight its accessibility and clarity. Understanding these details can be valuable for those studying human rights, legal scholars, and anyone interested in the document's structure and content.