UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators

COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION: Inclusive and Accessible Communication

Gender-Inclusive Language

Gender-inclusive language avoids assumptions about gender and ensures that communication does not reinforce stereotypes or exclude any gender identities. Practical guidance on gender-neutral alternatives and inclusive writing conventions is available from international organizations.:

Useful Resources on Gender-Inclusive Language:

UN. (n.d.). Gender-inclusive language. https://www.un.org/en/gender-inclusive-language

Annotation: UN resource on gender-inclusive communication, with guidelines and a toolbox for speaking and writing without discriminating against a particular sex, gender, or gender identity. Covers oral and written, formal and informal communication.

European Institute for Gender Equality. (2019). Toolkit on gender-sensitive communication. https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/publications/toolkit-gender-sensitive-communication

Annotation: Toolkit from EIGE on gender-sensitive communication. Covers how language reflects and shapes societal norms around gender, with practical guidance on making written and spoken communication more inclusive.

Government of Canada. (2024, October 4). Inclusionary: A collection of gender-inclusive solutions. https://nos-langues.canada.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusionary

Annotation: Searchable A–Z collection of gendered words with suggested gender-inclusive alternatives, from the Government of Canada's Language Portal. Designed as a starting point for writing inclusively in English. Includes a user guide and links to the broader Guidelines for Inclusive Writing.

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