This chapter explains the concept of minimal languages and argues for their importance as new tool for achieving clearer, more accessible, and more translatable communication. It describes the core vocabulary and grammar of minimal languages, and discusses how this may be expanded for particular purposes. Using examples, it shows important differences between Minimal English, on the one hand, and an older system of so-called Basic English, on the other. Finally, the chapter introduces and contextualises the studies in this volume.