Inclusive Language Field Guide: 6 Simple Principles for Avoiding Painful Mistakes and Communicating Respectfully

"Keep from inadvertently offending or alienating anyone by following six straightforward guidelines developed by a down-to-earth linguistic anthropologist and business consultant. In today's polarized and highly contentious climate, language is seen by many as a minefield. People are afraid of "getting cancelled." Of making embarrassing mistakes. Of sounding outdated or out of touch. They have questions and The Inclusive Language Field Guide has the answers. This book is filled with real-world stories, foundational principles, and easy exercises to guide people into new habits. It is grounded in rigorous social science and draws on original analysis to teach people exactly how to make better choices"--
Avoid inadvertently offending or alienating anyone by following six straightforward communication guidelines developed by a no-nonsense linguistic anthropologist and business consultant.In today's fast-moving and combative culture, language can feel like a minefield. Terms around gender, disability, race, sexuality and more are constantly evolving. Words that used to be acceptable can now get you “cancelled.” People are afraid of making embarrassing mistakes. Or sounding outdated or out of touch. Or not being as respectful as they intended. But it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Linguistic anthropologist Suzanne Wertheim offers six easy-to-understand principles to guide any communication—written or spoken—with anyone:• Reflect reality• Show respect• Draw people in• Incorporate other perspectives• Prevent erasure• Recognize pain pointsThis guide clarifies the challenges—and the solutions—to using "they/them," and demonstrates why "you guys" isn't as inclusive as many people think. If you follow the principles, you'll know not to ask a female coworker with a wedding ring about her husband—because she might be married to a woman. And you'll avoid writing things like "America was discovered in 1492," because that's just when Europeans found it.Filled with real-world examples, high-impact word substitutions, and exercises that boost new skills, this book builds a foundational toolkit so people can evaluate what is and isn't inclusive language on their own.