Equality through words The role of lang uage
The power of Languagehow words shape people
Speaking, writing and reading are integral parts in everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Scientists and linguists all around the world have conducted various studies and researches on how language shapes the way people think and behave. The major conclusion of many of these researchers point out that language as part of culture has an effect on the way a person thinks, which initiates behaviors. Cognitive psychologists, suggesting one potential factor, have shown that language reliably affects human thinking. If language informs how people think, then variations in the use of gender in language, such as referring to objects as male or female, might account for parallel differences in attitudes about gender equality.
How the language we use entrenches inequalities
Historically the challenge with language is that it has often been used as a tool of oppression for the express purpose of establishing and perpetuating systems of dominance and hierarchies between and among groups. As a result, language has in many instances throughout society’s history, has served to advance the status of certain groups while relegating other groups to a status of inferiority.
For example a practical research on the influence of language carried out in a school in USA found out that children were far more apt to draw a picture of a man, for instance, when they heard or read a word that depicted a profession that ended in the suffix -man, such as “mailman”, but were quick to draw a picture of a woman when they heard or read a word that depicted a profession ending in -ess as in “seamstress.” Based on these studies people can argue that gender-centric professional titles may play a role in how young boys and girls choose a future profession. Language in this case, may in fact psychologically limit children’s professional choices without their even knowing it.
Therefore, it can be assumed that Languages reveal a lot about a people’s belief systems, political ideologies, and perceived social order – and are a mirror into how communities see the world and how they in turn, see their individual and collective roles within it. It concludes the fact that language reflects and preserves the values and prejudices of society, and is a powerful means of perpetuating inequalities.
Equality through words
While intentions in the use of language when interacting with or referencing groups may not be as illspirited and biased as it was when they originated, people are often not conscious of the power of words and labels.
Therefore, attention must be paid to the terms used to identify and describe the inequalities within it, and the effects that language choices have on those experiencing the effects of inequality.
Using gender-inclusive language
Using gender-inclusive language means speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes. Given the key role of language in shaping cultural and social attitudes, using gender-inclusive language is a powerful way to promote gender equality and eradicate gender bias.
The guidelines offered by the United Nations for their staff include a number of recommendations that can be utilized as civil society and organizations in general to use gender-inclusive language in any type of communication — oral or written, formal or informal. The 3 main strategies listed are
1.Use non-discriminatory language
A. Forms of address- When referring to or addressing specific individuals, use forms of address and pronouns that are consistent with their gender identity. If the staff member appears as “Ms.”, that is the form of address that should be used for her, and female pronouns are appropriate. Alternatively, and if the situation permits, you may ask the persons you are addressing or writing about what pronoun and form of address should be used for them.
B. Avoid gender-biased expressions or expressions that reinforce gender stereotypes
Example: “She throws/runs/fights like a girl.” “In a manly way.” “Oh, that’s women’s work.”
2. Make gender visible when it is relevant for communication
A). “Pairing” is the use of both feminine and masculine forms (he or she; her or his). It is a strategy that may be used when the author/speaker wants to explicitly make both women and men visible. It is advisable not to overuse this strategy. It may also be more appropriate to alternate masculine and feminine forms by paragraph or section, rather than by sentence or phrase.
Example: “When a staff member accepts an offer of employment, he or she must be able to assume that the offer is duly authorized. To qualify for payment of the mobility incentive, she or he must have five years’ prior continuous service on a fixed-term or continuing appointment.
B.) Using two different words In cases in which highlighting gender would make the sentence more inclusive, two separate words can be used.
Examples: “Boys and girls should attend the first cooking class with their parents.”