UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators

COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION: Inclusive and Accessible Communication

Inclusive Language Principles

Inclusive language avoids expressions that demean, exclude, or stereotype people based on personal characteristics. Understanding the general principles, and why language choices matter, provides a foundation for writing about specific communities with respect.:

Useful Resources on Inclusive Language Principles:

European Institute for Gender Equality. (2024, December 3). Words matter: Supporting gender equality through language and communication. https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/publications/words-matter-supporting-gender-equality-through-language-and-communication

Annotation: EIGE guide on using language and communication to support gender equality, with a focus on gender-inclusive approaches and intersecting inequalities. Includes accompanying online games and quizzes.

Council of Europe. (n.d.). Guidelines for the use of language as a driver of inclusivity. https://rm.coe.int/guidelines-for-the-use-of-language-as-a-driver-of-inclusivity/1680aec235

Annotation: Guidelines from the Council of Europe on using inclusive language to promote equality and combat discrimination. Covers language relating to gender, disability, age, ethnicity, and other dimensions of identity.

American Psychological Association. (2024, October). General principles for reducing bias. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/general-principles

Annotation: APA Style guidelines on writing about people without bias. Covers describing at the appropriate level of specificity, acknowledging relevant differences, using appropriate labels, and avoiding false hierarchies. Includes examples by topic area including age, disability, gender, racial and ethnic identity, and sexual orientation.

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

5.1. Communication Foundations

5.2. Rhetoric and Persuasive Communication

5.3. Science and Public Communication

5.4. Oral Presentations
5.4.1. Presentation Techniques

5.5. Giving and Receiving Feedback
5.5.1. Giving Feedback

5.6. Teamwork and Collaboration
5.6.1. Understanding Teams
5.6.2. Working in Groups
5.6.3. Team Presentations

5.7. Networking

5.8. Leadership

5.9. Writing in English
5.9.1. English Language Development
5.9.2. Support for Multilingual Writers
5.9.3. Writing in Professional and Academic Contexts

5.10. Inclusive and Accessible Communication

5.10.1. Inclusive Language Principles

5.10.2. Inclusive Language Reference Tools
5.10.3. Gender-Inclusive Language
5.10.4. Writing about Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Identity
5.10.5. Disability-Inclusive Language
5.10.6. Document Accessibility

 

Author: Leeanne Irwin

Peer Reviewer(s): None