Question

What are some tips that you might give a new speaker for using more inclusive language?

Answer 1

Inclusive language is a way of writing and speaking that aims to ensure all groups of people in the community are treated equally and with respect. inclusive language aims to redress imbalance and discrimination inherent in existing language, ranging from exclusion to derogatory comments . for example use of words such as “we” or “our” to create the impression that the writer and the reader are on the same side of the issue

The inclusive language has the list of terms, concept to know, expressions to avoid, and words to incorporate into our vocabulary, job description and conversations. every language is built of rules and frameworks. Inclusive language is structured similarly. This principle helps you enter conversations mindfully of an individual or audience's preference. student recruitment and campus engagement have changed dramatically. To be effective recruiters and diversity practitioners we need to stay abreast of new words, concepts and trends that impact our work. The list of phrases contains two types of expressions: gender or exclusive terms that will decrease the likelihood of attracting a targeted candidate profile; and everyday phrases with racist Origins

Tips to improve inclusive language:

1. Put people first: it is essential to put the person first, to focus on the person not their characteristic. for example instead of a “blind woman'' or a “woman salesperson'' we can use a “woman who is blind” or “a woman on our sales team”.
2. Recognise the impact of Mental Health language :Avoid derogatory terms that stem from the context of Mental Health like “psycho, paranoid or schizo”. We can use “bipolar, PTSD, OCD” as a real mental health diagnosis that people possess.
3. Use gender neutral language: using “guy”to address all people is gendered language that may insinuateThat men are the preferred gender at your organisation. instead work in inclusive words such as” Folks, people, you all all and teammates”.
4. Girl/ girls: for anyone over 18 years old, “women or woman” is a better choice
5. Hacker: In job descriptions the term “hacker” can be tough for many to identify with alternatively we can use “Engineer or developer”
6. Handicapped; Some disability advocates believe this term is rooted in a correlation between a disabled individual and a beggar who had to beg with a cap in his or her hand because of the inability to maintain employment. Better alternative we can use is “disabled.”
7. Housekeeping; in reference to office work this language can feel gendered suggested alternative words are “maintenance or clean up”
8. Lame: originally used in reference to people with reduced mobility now often a synonym for “an cool”. Both types of users are “ableist”.