The use of inclusive language recognizes diversity and promotes respect for others and sensitivity to difference. Among the characteristics that inclusive language addresses are gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, country of origin, ability, and religion, along with language itself. One important factor is not to assume that any language is neutral. It is preferable to use terms by which people self-identify. In addition, avoiding reference to assumptions and stereotypes is crucial.
In referring to documents or literature produced in earlier eras, one should avoid using terms that are now offensive but were routinely used at that time without clearly identifying the context for such usage. Changing the names of public buildings is also being done to remove offensive references; US examples include changing schools that were once named for slave owners or Confederate military officers to take on the names of prominent civil rights activists.
At the broadest level, inclusive language encompasses references to human beings, as when we substitute the term “humankind” for “mankind” and use “person” and “people” instead of “man” and “men.” It also avoids use of the default male pronoun “he” and, rather than substituting “she,” using gender-neutral “they” for both singular and plural references.
Along with spoken and written language, the use of symbols can also be part of inclusive language. One area this can be seen is in changes to sports mascots, the names of sports teams, and related symbolic gestures; in the United States, these have often been fictitious or parodic references to Native American tribes or actions, such as “Chief Illini” or a “tomahawk chop.”
The Diversity Council of Australia offers guidelines for inclusive language, such as in the workplace. The Council emphasizes the importance of respect and the strong influence of language on behavior, along with the all-encompassing quality of inclusion so that no one will be made to seem an outsider.
https://www.dca.org.au/inclusive-language
https://www.linguisticsociety.org/resource/guidelines-inclusive-language
Saturday, February 8, 2014
A speech for year 3 with multicultural perspectives: How can we better watch our language to include people from all cultures, and what are some examples of this happening in countries of the world and specifically Australian society?
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