Creating an inclusive environment is crucial for fostering respect, dignity, and equal treatment of all individuals within a community. Using mindful language choices significantly contributes to this objective. Here, we explain how to develop inclusive surroundings through careful consideration of our words.
1. Gender-Neutral Language
Use gender-inclusive language to acknowledge the spectrum of genders beyond male and female identities. Whenever applicable, replace generic masculine nouns (“guys,” “firemen”) with gender-neutral alternatives (“folks,” “firefighters”). Apply genderless titles and salutations, especially when unsure of someone’s preference (“friend,” “colleague,” “ladies and gentlemen” -> “everybody,” “team,” “distinguished guests”).
Reference(s):
* Holmes, J., & Marra, M. (2004). Gendered talk at work: Constructing gender identity through workplace discourse. John Benjamins Publishing.
2. Disability Terms
Opt for person-first phrases that separate the individual from their disability (“person with cerebral palsy” instead of “CP victim”). Refer to assistive devices politely (“wheelchair user” rather than “confined to a wheelchair”).
Reference(s):
* Olkin, R. (1999). What psychologists should know about disability. American Psychologist, 54(8), 667–676. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066X.54.8.667
3. Race and Ethnicity
When discussing race or ethnicity, avoid broad generalizations and oversimplifications. Instead, specify particular communities (“Black Americans” instead of “Blacks”), recognize intersectionality, and highlight regional variation (“Chinese Singaporeans”).
Reference(s):
* Bonilla-Silva, E. (2018). Racism without racists: Color-blind racism and the persistence of racial inequality in America. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
4. Religion and Belief Systems
Respect religious affiliations by accurately representing faiths, acknowledging their significance, and steering clear of derogatory comments. Capitalize sacred texts and divinities (“Quran”, “Goddess Durga”).
Reference(s):
* Beckford, J. A. (2003). Social theory and religion. Cambridge University Press.
5. Sexual Orientation
Validate sexual orientations using precise terms requested by respective communities (“lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” “pansexual,” etc.) and refrain from assuming heterosexuality as default.
Reference(s):
* Peplau, L. A., & Cohen, A. (1980). Some determinants of attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Journal of Homosexuality, 6(1), 19-30.
6. Age and Generation
Address age-related categories cautiously due to generational nuances and societal stigma attached to aging. Rather than labeling older adults as “senior citizens” or “elders,” utilize less alienating terms like “older adult” or “maturer worker.”
Reference(s):
* Coupland, N. (2009). The handbook of language and globalization. John Wiley & Sons.
7. Socioeconomic Status
Reflect class diversity by acknowledging economic stratification, educational privilege, and occupational hierarchies. Eschew pejorative expressions linked to poverty or wealth.
Reference(s):
* Savage, M. (2015). Social Class in the 21st Century. Pelican Books.
Overall, thoughtful language choices aid in breaking down barriers, bridging gaps, and developing a genuinely inclusive society.
Reference(s):
* van Dijk, T. A. (2015). Discourses of racism: theoretical and methodological challenges. Routledge.
