As the name suggests, this type of language seeks to communicate without excluding any group. However, as it is usually accompanied by other concepts, such as neutral, anti-racist and anti-ableist language, it is common for the subject to raise doubts even among the most experienced professionals.
After all, what is inclusive language and how does it support the construction of a fairer and more equitable work environment? If you are looking for the answer to this and other questions on the subject, keep reading the text!
What is inclusive language?
There are many ways to explain what inclusive language is. But, in short, it is nothing more than a form of communication, written or verbal, that seeks to promote inclusion and equality, recognizing and respecting the differences and singularities of each individual.
In this type of language, terms and expressions that could be considered offensive, discriminatory or that reinforce negative stereotypes about specific groups are avoided. However, these adaptations are made without changing the grammar rules that govern the Portuguese language.
In practice, what inclusive language does is promote the inclusion of all groups in society, both in the organizational environment and in other spaces.
INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE OR NEUTRAL LANGUAGE?
Before we continue talking about inclusive language, it is worth opening a parenthesis to clarify the difference between it and neutral language. After all, it is quite common for there to be confusion between these concepts.
Although both types of communication contribute to diversity and inclusion agendas, the languages have important differences to be considered.
In inclusive language, the focus is on including all people, regardless of their gender identity. In this case, gender is not specified and the spelling of words is not changed.
What other types of inclusive language deserve attention?
Although the most well-known inclusive language model is the one that seeks to include all gender identities, the truth is that there are india is seeing rapid growth different ways to use this communication tool. After all, as we said at the beginning, its main objective is to encompass all groups.
That said, we have separated four more types of inclusive language that should be kept on companies’ radar:
NON-SEXIST LANGUAGE
More than just embracing all gender identities, this type of language seeks to avoid the use of terms and expressions that may reinforce negative 7 keys to defining a good content marketing strategy stereotypes about certain groups, such as women and non-binary people. Some examples are: “girly stuff”, “unloved”, or using “man” to refer to “humanity”.
ANTI-RACIST LANGUAGE
Avoid using terms that may reinforce negative stereotypes about certain races or ethnicities. Instead of using expressions such as “things are looking bad” or “to denigrate”, you can use, respectively, “the situation is complicated” and “to defame”.
ANTI-CAPACITIST LANGUAGE
The idea is to avoid terms that could be considered pejorative or that reinforce negative stereotypes about people with disabilities (PWDs), such as “acting like João sem arma” (a person with no arm), “faking dementia”, among others.
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Although it is not exactly a type of language, this approach also deserves to be highlighted on our list because it contributes to building more australia database directory welcoming and respectful relationships. Here, empathetic and effective communication predominates, which strengthens human connections.
Nonviolent communication, or empathic communication, is based on four main foundations:
Why adopt inclusive language in companies?
History has shown that language can maintain or transform social systems. It is no coincidence that it plays a prominent role in building a society that includes and embraces the most diverse types of people.
If this is also a valuable topic for your company, adopting a more inclusive language can only bring benefits. See below the main ones:
SUPPORTS REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION
As we have shown above, inclusive language seeks to represent all people. Regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age or disability.
When adopted in an organization. It helps to promote an inclusive and respectful environment for all employees, making them more motivated.
RESPECTS AND ENCOURAGES DIVERSITY
Using inclusive language is a way to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the diversity of experiences and perspectives that each individual brings to the workplace.
This helps to build a more inclusive space that recognizes and celebrates differences, as well as supporting the attraction and hiring of diverse people.
So much so that this type of language has been increasingly used in job descriptions at companies that are truly concerned with D&I.
INCREASES ENGAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
When people feel respected and included, they tend to be more productive and creative at work. Inclusive language also helps create a more positive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
In fact, a recent Deloitte survey on Diversity. Equity and Inclusion revealed that most companies already realize that initiatives on this front generate business value, increase employee retention and improve the quality of the workforce.
REINFORCES SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
>Finally, the adoption of inclusive language is another. Way of demonstrating the company’s commitment to promoting equality and inclusion in society. Thus contributing.