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inclusive language
hile the pandemic has fueled widespread social change, the increasing use of inclusive language predates COVID-19. The 21st century ushered in a new focus on language that respects and values all members of society.
WHAT IS INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE? Inclusive language promotes diversity, conveys respect to all communities, and is sensitive to the differences between communities and cultures. It is based on three tenets: 1. People-first grammar 2. Nuanced language 3. Continuous evolution
THE BASICS OF INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE Inclusive language acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, and is sensitive to differences and promotes equitable opportunities. Language is fluid; therefore, meanings and connotations of words can change rapidly. In effect, it is more important to apply inclusive language principles rather than always learning specific appropriate phrases, as these may change in meaning over time.
People-First Grammar People-first grammar puts people first in the sentence and then follows with their characteristics. People-first language centers the individual as a holistic entity as opposed to a sum of their parts (i.e., characteristics or identities). People-first focuses on the person, not their characteristics, e.g., instead of “a blind woman” or “a woman salesperson,” use “a woman who is blind” or “a woman on our sales team.” Only mention characteristics like gender, sexual orientation, religion, racial group, or ability when relevant to the discussion.
Nuanced language Understanding and demonstrating respect for the nuance of inclusive language is next. Adopters of inclusive language know
that mistakes are inevitable because words that may not seem offensive or exclusive to some, will seem so to others. For example, the word “queer” has historically been used as an offensive slur against people of the LGBTQIA community, but over the last decade or two, the LGBTQIA community has been reclaiming the word. Now, you can see the term “queer” as a substitute for “LGBTQIA” in editorials, academic research, and mainstream media. However, some in the LGBTQIA community still prefer that the term not be used because of the historical meaning or personal experience they’ve had with the word “queer.” This is a case where certain people find a term inclusive, and others do not. In this situation, if the language choice is to be used, it should only be used with people that the speakers explicitly know find this language acceptable and inclusive.
Continuous evolution Just as language is constantly morphing, inclusive words to use and exclusive words to avoid are also growing and changing. This third tenet of inclusive language reflects the nature of our modern society. As awareness of various social experiences and causes increases, our language choices should grow and reflect that as well. Words, also, can take on different meanings over time and inclusive language must reflect those changed meanings whether that additional definition is a positive or negative one. Because language itself is very dynamic, practitioners of inclusive language must constantly maintain a growth mindset – mistakes will be made but everyone is constantly learning new language to improve inclusivity. For businesses, demonstrating an understanding and appreciation for inclusive language is critical as customers, consumers, and employees have evolved their expectations around diversity, inclusion, and equity.
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