Inclusive forms of address, April 13, 2022

Language matters for inclusion. Did you know that the language we use shapes the way we view the world? Consider a study performed by Lera Boroditsky et al. in which German and Spanish speakers were asked to describe objects having different gender in the two languages. As one example, a “key”, a masculine word in German, was described by the German speakers with words such as “hard” and “jagged.” The Spanish speakers described a “key”, a feminine word in Spanish, with words like “intricate” and “lovely.”1,2

The words we use affect our perception and this gives reason for pause when considering how we can make others feel, and how we will perceive others, based on how we address them. Use of gendered forms of address such as “ladies and gentlemen,” can alienate nonbinary individuals and cause unnecessary gender associations. 

Instead of gendered addresses, consider using “folks,” or “everyone,” or even “y’all,” to address groups in your classrooms and other communities. Using the word “guys” to get the attention of others can be hard habit to break, but a tap on the leg when you hear yourself use it might be enough to remind you to try again with something different.3

References

1. Elsesser, K. (2020, July 8). How to use gender-neutral language, and why it's important to try. Forbes. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2020/07/08/how-to-use-gender-neutral-language-and-why-its-important-to-try/?sh=dc6621326bab 

2. Gentner, D., & Goldin-Meadow, S. (Eds.). (2003). Sex, syntax, and semantics. Language in Mind. https://doi.org/ 10.7551/mitpress/4117.003.0010 

3. Zandan, N., Su, A. J., & Gallo, C. (2021, September 17). How to stop saying "um," "ah," and "you know". Harvard Business Review. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2018/08/how-to-stop-saying-um-ah-and-you-know