How Do You Spell INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE?

Pronunciation: [ɪnklˈuːsɪv lˈaŋɡwɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

Inclusive language is spelled /ɪnˈkluːsɪv ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/. The first syllable "in" is pronounced as /ɪn/ and means "not". The second syllable "clu" is pronounced as /klʊ/ and comes from the word "include". The third syllable "sive" is pronounced as /sɪv/ and means "having the quality of". The final syllable "language" is pronounced as /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/ and refers to the system of communication used by people. Inclusive language refers to language that avoids using words and expressions that exclude particular groups of people, especially in terms of gender, race, and disability.

INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE Meaning and Definition

  1. Inclusive language refers to a set of linguistic practices that aim to avoid expressions, terms, or phrases that may exclude or marginalize certain individuals or groups based on their gender, race, religion, age, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. The purpose of inclusive language is to promote equality, respect diversity, and foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges and embraces the varied identities and experiences of all individuals.

    By using inclusive language, one avoids using terms that perpetuate stereotypes, reinforce biases, or make assumptions about a person's identity or background. This includes using gender-neutral or gender-inclusive terms instead of gender-specific ones, such as using "they" or "them" as pronouns instead of assuming "he" or "she." It also involves using language that reflects the diversity of a society and avoids discriminatory or offensive terms.

    Inclusive language is essential in various settings, including education, workplace, media, and public discourse, as it helps create a more equitable and inclusive society. It recognizes that language has the power to shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and therefore, by using inclusive language, it becomes possible to challenge discriminatory practices, promote empathy, and ensure that everyone feels valued and respected. Inclusive language is an ongoing process that requires individuals and institutions to be mindful of the language they use and develop a sensitivity towards the impact of words on others.

Etymology of INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

The word "inclusive" derives from the Latin word "inclusivus", which is the past participle of "includere". "Includere" is a compound word formed by the prefix "in-" meaning "into" or "not" and the verb "cludere" meaning "to shut" or "to close". Therefore, "inclusive" originally meant "to not shut out" or "to not exclude".

The word "language" comes from the Latin word "lingua", meaning "tongue" or "speech". It is related to the Old English word "langguge", which also meant "tongue". Over time, "language" has come to refer to the system of communication used by humans, which includes spoken, written, or signed forms of expression.