How to communicate without excluding anyone (at least not on purpose!)
Language, when used well creates a common understanding. Inclusive language enables everyone to feel respected and valued.
This short guide provides an overview of inclusive language and includes some simple steps you can follow to make your language more inclusive.
Contents
- What inclusive language is and why it matters
- Some simple steps for inclusive language
- How to respond to non inclusive language
- Learn more
What inclusive language is and why it matters
Language builds relationships, understanding, connection but language can also create barriers and reinforce our differences.
Inclusive language leaves a person feeling respected, safe and gives a sense of belonging, a basic human right.
So what is inclusive language?
Inclusive language is the words and phrases you use that avoids biases, slang and expressions that discriminate against other people.
We use language to express ourselves and to be understood by others. When we use inclusive language, we reach and include more people.
Some simple steps for inclusive language
Below are some simple steps you can apply for inclusive language adapted from Diversity Council Australia’s “Words At Work”.
1) Keep an open mind
Be prepared and willing to change your mind about what you have always thought is ‘normal’, respectful and appropriate to say.
- Be open to learning and understanding about language , conversations and banter that can exclude
- See it from the other person’s perspective
- Be okay with not having all the answers. Be willing to change and continue learning
2) Focus on the person
Focus on the person first rather than the group they belong to. Only refer to characteristics and traits if it’s relevant.
Even stereotypes you intend as ‘positive’ (ie suggesting the group is gifted in an area) are problematic as they oversimplify the individual characteristic. Take this comment for example: “It’s nice to have Jenny on the team because females are really supportive”. Instead say “It’s nice to have Jenny on the team because she’s so supportive.”
3) Avoid idioms, jargon and acronyms
Jargon and acronyms are well established as exclusionary. Anytime you need specialised knowledge to understand what’s being said, you risk excluding people.
Idioms should also be avoided. Not only because they often need the cultural context to understand them, but idioms can often be rooted in negative connotations and stereotypes eg “peanut gallery”
4) If in doubt, ask
It’s ok to not know. If you’re unsure, ask the person or ask a representative organisation with lived experience. Don’t guess or presume!
5) If get it wrong, stay open and calm
If you accidentally offend someone, first stay calm and open. Seek to understand how and why. This is a time to learn not defend yourself. A great apology sounds like “you’re right. I apologise for not understanding what that word meant to you. I’m going to work on this and do better.”
Avoid saying it was “a joke” or “you misunderstood” or “took it the wrong way” or “you’re being overly sensitive”. In the spirit of inclusive language you’re seeking to communicate in a way that treats all people with respect and dignity, and these responses can leave the person feeling more excluded by invalidating their feelings and experiences.
How to respond to non inclusive language
The best way to show you’re serious about inclusive language is to address any non-inclusive language directly and as soon as it happens (if you feel safe to do so).
You could go direct with:
- “that’s demeaning towards [specify the group]. Do you really feel that way?”
If you don’t feel safe or comfortable you can let the other person know by some indirect options like:
- “Really?”
- “Let’s not go there. Moving on.”
Set some actions
Inclusive language takes practice, so set some actions you can start with today and over the course of the week to put this into practice.
Some ideas:
- Pay attention to phrases and common idioms you use. Commit to using simple language instead for the next day and week.
- Research the history and origin of idioms you often use or hear in your workplace.
- Share with others the value of using inclusive language and why it matters.
Learn more
- For key terms check out our glossary
- Check some feedback for common stereotypes with our Feedback checker
- Read Disability Council of Australia’s “Words at Work”
- For even more about inclusivity visit Project Include’s website
