Inclusive Language
Inclusive language is important because it makes content more accessible so it can reach a wider audience. It also protects the company from getting into trouble with compliance or public relations (see also).
Using generic male pronouns like "man" and "he" to refer to everyone is no longer common practice.
Most style guides now recommend using more generic pronouns that can easily apply to everyone in a readership like "you, they, them, we, us."
The use of the singular “they” in an instance where gender is not known or not relevant has been in practice since 1375 and is perfectly acceptable to avoid the generic “he” or the clunky “he/she” in singular but gender-neutral references.
Legal copy may prefer to use “he/she” for maximum clarity and specificity.
Inclusive vs Not Inclusive Language¶
| Inclusive Language | Not Inclusive Language |
|---|---|
| they, customers, team, all | He, she, guys, girls |
| business executive | Businessman, businesswoman |
| workforce | Man power |
| firefighter | Fireman |
| Postal worker | mailman |
| Police officer | Policeman, policewoman |
| poet | poetess |
| Humankind, human race | Mankind, man |
| meteorologist | weatherman |
| nurse | Male nurse |
Person-first language¶
Focus on the person rather than their characteristics. Avoid using descriptors that are irrelevant or unnecessary to the context of the situation.
NO: a blind man, a woman salesperson YES: a man who is blind, a woman on our sales team
Is it relevant?¶
Things like race, gender, or disabilities should only be mentioned when they are necessary and relevant to the context. Otherwise mentioning these modifiers can be left out.
NO: A blind man came through my line today and bought vegetables. YES: Today I helped a man who is blind find the vegetable aisle.
Don't use illnesses as an adjective¶
Illnesses, including mental and physical illnesses, should never be used as an adjective or to describe anything other than the actual illness.
NO: Sarah was being totally bipolar after the math test. YES: Sarah was having a hard time after a stressful math test.
Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Religion¶
Races, ethnicities, nationalities, and religions are always capitalized.
Make sure you are referencing the correct term and not using these terms interchangeably.
Avoid using terms for race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion as adjectives or using slang for these terms that might be offensive.
When talking about race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion, specific research is often necessary to make sure you're getting it right within the specific context and current preferred practices by the community or demographics you're referencing.
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Race | your features | Dwight Schrute is white. |
| Ethnicity | your culture | Dwight Schrute is Pennsylvania Dutch. |
| Nationality | where you live or where you were born | Dwight Schrute is American. |
| Religion | your belief system | Dwight Schrute is Amish. |
Avoid making assumptions and generalizations¶
Avoid generalizations, assumptions, and biases (see also).
NO: Gardening may seem like an old person’s hobby, but the reality is that many young people and beginning families are learning how to garden to save money on produce. YES: Gardening is a great way to save money on produce.
Avoid stating opinions as facts¶
Instead, try to provide solid evidence and data.
NO: Family is very important to the Hispanic population. YES: According to Watson (2011), family is important to 47% of the Hispanic families in Auburn, Indiana.