Inclusive Language
What is a general definition of inclusive language?
What is: language that makes all audience members feel as if the speaker considers their background, beliefs, and needs?
What is a general definition of sexism?
What is: the treatment of women as less important or inferior compared to men?
What is a general definition of heterosexist language?
What is a cultural or racial marker?
What is: words that introduce group identifiers that have no direct relevance to the subject at hand?
What type of bias is present in this example?
“The winning touchdown was scored by the star black quarterback.”
What is: racial/cultural bias (use of a marker).
What role do pronouns play in using inclusive language?
What is: inclusive language uses the proper pronouns to eliminate the “us vs. them” concept?
What are two examples of generic terminology that ignore the possible presence of women in that field?
What are: policeman, fireman, mailman, serviceman, etc.?
What is an example of heterosexist language?
What is: “You’re too pretty to be a lesbian.”
“Where is your husband, ma’am?”
“Too bad he’s gay!”
Etc.
What are two examples of racial or cultural markers?
What is:
“Black physicist”
“White woman doctor”
“Chinese basketball player”
Etc.
What type of bias is evident in this example?
“Employee Christmas party! Men encouraged to bring your wives.”
Is the following sentence an example of inclusive or exclusive language?
(Older person addressing a young audience) “I’m here to talk to you people about the library job availabilities. We need more of your kind in our employment system.”
What is exclusive?
What is a way to correct sexism in our everyday language?
What is: change the word to include the possibility of women, i.e. humanity instead of mankind, police officer instead of policeman, firefighter instead of fireman, etc.?
What is a way to correct heterosexism in our everyday language?
What is: use terms that include different sexual orientations (ex. Spouse instead of husband/wife)
What is a method to eliminate markers (words that identify others by their race, culture or gender)?
What is: don’t use markers unless absolutely necessary- they do not contribute positively to conversation or a presentation.
What type of bias is present in this example?
“She’s such a dumb blonde! Chicks these days...”
What is: sexist bias?
Is this an example of inclusive or exclusive language?
(Student addressing other students): “I know we’re all under a lot of stress and pressure with finals week coming up. If we all get together and focus for an hour, I’m sure we can finish this project!”
What is inclusive?
What does gender bias inevitably lead to in our society?
What is: discrimination by presuming that men are superior to women?
What is the effect of avoiding heterosexist language?
What is: studies show that when doctors and counselors used inclusive language, students felt more comfortable discussing health issues and were more likely to be satisfied with their care?
What is a negative effect of using markers (referring to a person or group by adding their gender, culture or race to the description)?
What is: Markers call attention to a group’s presence as noteworthy, odd, or uncomfortable; they perpetuate stereotyped roles for various groups.
What type of bias is in this example?
(Boss speaking to employees) “The best employees would put this project first; employees need to prioritize the quality of the work rather than meet deadlines.”
What is: non-inclusive language?
Citation:
Schwartzman, Roy. Fundamentals of Oral Communication, 3rd ed. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. 2014.