Language is a powerful tool that can either bring us closer together or create distance as we strive to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in society. The words we use matter because they can create psychologically safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environments. These guidelines aim to increase awareness and support the use of culturally sensitive terms that center the voices and perspectives of marginalized groups. They also explain the origins of problematic terms and offer appropriate and contemporary alternatives. By embracing inclusive language, we can communicate more effectively and better adapt to a diverse and ever-changing society.

The choice of words is crucial, both in personal and professional life. Especially in writing, impact matters more than intention. When building government services, it is essential to ensure they are accessible and welcoming to all users. Inclusive language helps us be more precise and establish trust with our users.

These guidelines are influenced by resources such as the Conscious Style Guide, the Diversity Style Guide, the Disability Language Style Guide, the Associated Press Stylebook, and the Syracuse University Disability Cultural Center Language Guide. These sources provide valuable insights into inclusive language usage and offer practical recommendations for individuals and organizations.

The Conscious Style Guide, for instance, emphasizes the importance of language in promoting inclusivity and addressing power dynamics. It encourages writers to be mindful of the impact their words can have on marginalized communities. The Diversity Style Guide provides guidance on writing about race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and other aspects of identity. It recognizes the need to move beyond stereotypes and promote accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse individuals.

The Disability Language Style Guide offers insights into disability-related language and advocates for people-centered language. It highlights the importance of using terminology that empowers individuals and respects their autonomy. The Associated Press Stylebook, widely used by journalists and writers, includes guidelines for inclusive language usage in news reporting. It reflects the evolving understanding of inclusive language and the need to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing bias.

Similarly, the Syracuse University Disability Cultural Center Language Guide provides recommendations for using inclusive language when discussing disability-related topics. It promotes person-first language, which emphasizes the person rather than their condition or disability. Person-first language acknowledges the individual’s humanity and uniqueness, while avoiding reducing them to a single attribute or characteristic.

While this page is not exhaustive, it provides principles, resources, and specific suggestions for writing and speaking about diverse groups of people. It encourages individuals to educate themselves and others about the importance of inclusive language. By continually learning and adapting our language use, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful society.

Inclusive language acknowledges diversity, conveys respect for all individuals, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equal opportunities. How we use language, especially in governments and educational systems, can have a profound impact on how we perceive race, gender, and cultures. It is crucial to recognize the linguistic consequences of racist policies and practices and strive to speak in a bias-free manner.

For instance, certain terms and expressions have historical or cultural contexts that may be offensive or exclusionary. By understanding the origins and implications of such terms, we can choose alternative language that is more inclusive and respectful. This is particularly important when referring to marginalized communities, as language can reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate systemic inequalities.

Inclusive language also extends to the use of gender-neutral terms, which avoid assumptions based on binary gender norms. By adopting gender-neutral language, we create an inclusive environment that respects and validates individuals who identify outside of the traditional gender binary. It is important to be mindful of pronouns and use gender-inclusive language in both written and spoken communication.

It is important to teach people to avoid language habits that may inadvertently marginalize and perpetuate stereotypes. Educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting inclusive language among students and staff. By integrating inclusive language into curricula and providing resources for learning, educational institutions can empower individuals to communicate respectfully and inclusively.

People-centered language and language that puts the person first are related terms that also fall within the scope of inclusive language. These approaches avoid categorizing individuals as disorders and honor autonomy, allowing each person to identify as they prefer. By using people-centered language, we recognize the individual before their condition or identity, promoting a more respectful and inclusive society.

In summary, choosing the right words is essential to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. Inclusive language helps us build welcoming environments and create positive connections with others, both on a personal and professional level. The guidelines provided in this text are influenced by various resources and emphasize the need for sensitivity, respect, and awareness when using language. By embracing inclusive language, we can foster a more inclusive society, where the voices and perspectives of all individuals are valued and respected.

Inclusive language has the power to shape our social interactions and transform our societal norms. It can be a catalyst for positive change, dismantling discriminatory structures and fostering understanding and empathy. By consciously adopting inclusive language, we challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more equitable and just society.

Inclusive language not only benefits marginalized groups but also benefits society as a whole. It creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, enabling collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences through inclusive language, we open ourselves up to a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and possibilities.

Moreover, inclusive language contributes to the creation of inclusive spaces. Whether it’s in educational institutions, workplaces, or public settings, using inclusive language sends a powerful message of acceptance and belonging. It allows individuals to feel safe to express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Language evolves over time, and as our understanding of social justice and inclusion progresses, so too must our use of language. It requires an ongoing commitment to learning, unlearning, and reevaluating our linguistic habits. We must be willing to reflect on our own biases and privileges and be open to constructive feedback from marginalized communities.

Inclusive language is not about imposing rigid rules or stifling creativity. It’s about fostering awareness and respect, allowing language to become a tool for positive change. It encourages us to question the impact of our words and to use language as a means to empower and uplift others.

Inclusive language also extends beyond verbal and written communication. It encompasses the use of inclusive gestures, symbols, and visuals to create an inclusive and accessible environment. This includes providing sign language interpreters, captioning for videos, and ensuring physical spaces are designed with accessibility in mind.

In conclusion, inclusive language is a powerful tool in our collective journey towards equity, diversity, and inclusion. It requires conscious effort, continuous learning, and a commitment to challenging oppressive language norms. By using inclusive language, we can create a more just and inclusive society, where everyone’s voices are heard, respected, and celebrated. Let us embrace the power of words and harness them to build bridges, dismantle barriers, and foster a world where diversity is truly celebrated.

Inclusive language also plays a crucial role in dismantling systemic biases and fostering social change. By using inclusive language, we challenge ingrained stereotypes and promote a more accurate and nuanced understanding of individuals and communities. It allows us to shift away from harmful generalizations and instead recognize the rich diversity and complexity within marginalized groups. Inclusive language encourages empathy and encourages us to seek out and amplify diverse voices, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Furthermore, inclusive language recognizes the importance of intersectionality. It acknowledges that individuals have multiple identities and experiences that intersect and shape their lived realities. By using inclusive language, we can better understand and address the unique challenges faced by individuals who navigate multiple forms of oppression or discrimination. It allows us to engage in conversations and initiatives that promote inclusivity and justice across various dimensions, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status.

Inclusive language also has the power to shift cultural narratives and challenge societal norms. By using language that respects and values all individuals, we contribute to a cultural shift where inclusivity becomes the norm rather than the exception. Through inclusive language, we can challenge stereotypes, challenge harmful traditions, and create new narratives that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of all people. This, in turn, helps to create a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In conclusion, inclusive language is not merely a linguistic choice but a powerful tool for social transformation. It enables us to create inclusive spaces, challenge biases, dismantle oppressive systems, and foster understanding and empathy. By embracing inclusive language, we can foster a society that celebrates diversity, empowers marginalized voices, and upholds the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Let us continue to educate ourselves, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and use our words to create a more inclusive and just world for all.