Quick Guide to Inclusive Language
Modern Style Guides
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Used and approved by:
Associated Press (AP)
Modern Language Association (MLA)
The Chicago Style of Manual
American Psychological Association (APA)
Five Principles
These are the main keys that you must include in your writing.
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Number One: Use what works best.
Number Two: Respect other people’s wishes.
Number Three: Make choices that respect diversity.
Number Four: Write clearly and effectively.
Number Five: Be consistent.
One
In English there are several techniques to apply inclusive writing. There is no one technique that will solve all of your problems. However, with a combination of them, we can be sure to address your reader, and approach the situation respectfully.
– using they as a pronoun– using passive voice– addressing your user directly
Using the pronoun of the shows neutrality in the language. When you speak in the passive voice, you add formality in the writing. One of the more modern ways is addressing your user directly to make a closer connection.
When, connecting with somebody in written words, use their specified title and pronouns. It may vary when it comes to courtesy titles, e.g., Mr., Mx. Miss, Mrs., etc. Take this into account not only when you are writing to them as an email or correspondence, but also about them as in a biography or report.
Two
Three
You choose your words. You choose your expressions. You choose your examples. Avoid stereotypes, although they can be fun and joking they can be offensive and create bias. The more you use inclusive language, the more common it will become, so choose to be respectful.
Four
Use plain language. This has been a movement that has been in force for the last five decades. In legal language this is been the movement for over 100 years now. Combining, inclusive language and plain English is a very effective communication method if used correctly. When you use plain language, the reader should be able to understand the main idea, as well as the details of the message the first time that they read it.
Be consistent in applying inclusive, writing styling technique all throughout your text in your organization. Consistency will take on many meetings in this paragraph. First, be consistently inclusive and make sure you are using techniques that don’t just apply to some groups, but that are truly inclusive.
Next, be sure that you are using the language throughout your document, and not just in some paragraphs or parts. Scan and proofread to be sure the introduction, body and conclusion all have the same register and read equally.
And as mentioned in the beginning, be sure that every document, communication or email being sent from your organization, includes inclusive writing, and very importantly make this an internal culture. This is not a choice. This is just how it is.