Have you ever considered how the language we use might be outdated and full of hidden biases? I explore the topic of inclusive language with Dr Suzanne Wertheim, a former professor of linguistics and linguistic anthropology, who now consults on inclusive language in the workplace. This article distils the key ideas we explored in this episode.
Inclusive language isn’t just a passing trend—it’s essential for fostering collaboration, respect, and innovation, particularly in the tech world. As someone who’s seen countless examples of how communication impacts relationships and results, I can tell you that outdated language systems often alienate people without us even realising. Tech professionals especially need to upgrade how they communicate because words shape experiences and experiences define success. Here are five practical steps you can take to incorporate inclusive language in your workplace today.
🚀 Understand Why Language Matters
Language is more powerful than we give it credit for. Think about it: ever had a single word or comment derail an otherwise great meeting or pitch? That's how much influence words have. In tech, we develop tools and systems that reach global users. If our communication isn’t reflective of the diverse world we serve, we risk overlooking critical perspectives.
Research shows that inclusive language helps teams collaborate better and improves problem-solving outcomes. For instance, addressing unconscious gender bias in tech products led to smarter AI outputs. So, the first step is recognising that language sets the tone for everything we build and share.
👩💻 Start with Gender-Neutral Terms
One of the easiest ways to make a big impact is by ditching outdated, binary language. For example, instead of “Ladies and Gentlemen,” say “Guests” or “Team.” Replace “Husband” or “Wife” with “Partner” or “Spouse” in casual conversations. These small shifts help everyone feel seen, whether they identify within the gender binary or not.
Consider this: a train conductor announcing “Ladies and Gentlemen” may unintentionally alienate non-binary passengers. Something as simple as “Attention passengers” immediately resolves that issue.
If gender-inclusivity interests you, dive deeper: E80: Self-Help - Change the Way You Speak to Yourself.
💡 Create Space for Feedback
No matter how much effort you put into using inclusive language, mistakes happen. What truly sets inclusive workplaces apart is their willingness to listen and adapt. Make it easy for peers and team members to share feedback about your communication style—whether it’s in a one-on-one chat, through anonymous channels, or team reviews.
For example, during a training session, I received constructive feedback that my doodles weren’t gender-neutral. While caught off guard, I used the moment to learn and ask for advice.
🔍 Review Your Written and Verbal Patterns
When we rely on autopilot, we often fall back on outdated language that might exclude others. Terms like “guys” during team meetings or using masculine defaults in system manuals might seem harmless, but they can alienate other genders. Run an audit of your communication materials—emails, project documentation, and even Slack messages—and identify areas for improvement. Make it a habit to test your words before hitting "Send."
In one shocking example, a simple language misstep during a tech sales pitch cost a team £4 million! The salesperson used terms that disregarded the client’s identity. Imagine how avoidable that situation could’ve been with a little forethought.
For strategies to strengthen your workplace communication, this article may help: Communication is a Science.
🌐 Think Global, Act Local
In tech, we're often designing for a global audience. Inclusive language isn’t one-size-fits-all; it must reflect the diverse realities of your users. While some English-speaking cultures use gender-neutral terms, other languages integrate gender into almost every word. Understanding these nuances will take your inclusive language game to the next level.
For instance, languages like French or Spanish have deeply gendered grammar systems, influencing how software tools interact with users. As AI becomes smarter, embedding cultural awareness directly into these tools ensures inclusivity. It's not just about avoiding harm; it's about actively embracing better mental models.
📚 Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
Inclusive language in technology is an ongoing commitment. Whether it's small tweaks in your Zoom meetings or reassessing how your algorithms interpret names and identities, every word makes a difference. With practice, you’ll find your language naturally aligning with your values. And the best part? These adjustments don’t just feel nice—they significantly improve collaboration and create a better workplace culture.
If you’re ready to start rethinking language, here’s your next step: start small, address feedback openly, and seek resources that help you refine.
Recommended Reads for Facilitators:
The Inclusive Language Field Guide by Suzanne Wertheim
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Words Matter: Using Language as a Lever in Leadership by Rebecca Cooke
Guest: Dr. Suzanne Wertheim
Dr. Suzanne Wertheim is an international expert in inclusive language.
After getting her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Berkeley, she held faculty positions at Northwestern, University of Maryland, and UCLA. In 2011, she left the university system in order to apply her expertise to real-world problems.
Dr. Wertheim uses science to identify and correct problematic language that hurts business. Global clients call on her for keynotes, workshops, customized video courses, and consulting. Dr. Wertheim’s book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide, was published in 2023.
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