Using Inclusive Language in the Applied-Science Academic Environments
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Technium Social Sciences Journal
Vol. 9, 151-162, July 2020
ISSN: 2668-7798
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C'% A 1 11 IN E _1'_ 061 U'R NA Lwww. techniumscience.com
Using Inclusive Language in the Applied-Science Academic
Environments
Pooya Taheri
Mechatronic Systems Engineering Department, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC,
Canada V3T 0A3
ptaherig c'isfu.ca
Abstract. Language is not neutral or used in a vacuum; language is one of the most powerful
tools we have as humans that incorporates personal assumptions, social norms, and cultural
ideologies. It is therefore important to consider language critically and to watch for biases in
usage. Language reflects the world it is used in, but it is also active in maintaining or redesigning
that world. It can be a tool of discrimination or of empowerment. We can use it to foster
discrimination, unintentionally or otherwise, or we can use it to help make a fairer world [[1]].
Words have the power to affect our personhood, our identity, our attitudes, and our images about
others. The power of language to affect our identity and behaviour was realized by oppressed
groups in the 20th Century. Language is an important part of socialization - it plays a crucial part
in the process whereby people learn the behaviours and values of a particular group or culture
[[2]]. Historically, language has left many out. Individuals and groups have been marginalized
and discriminated against because of their culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
age, disability, socioeconomic status, appearance, and more. Inclusive language seeks to treat all
people with respect, dignity, and impartiality. It is constructed to bring everyone into the group
and exclude no one. It is suggested that the basis of communication is not what is said, but how
the words are heard. Language framed by derogatory names and symbols can have implications
for people and their life experiences [[3]]. Making changes to use more inclusive language offers
us a chance to grow and become better communicators who care for those we are communicating
with [[4]]. This short article is meant to review the concept of political correctness and inclusive
language and raise awareness for students and teachers to discriminatory terms that can be easily
replaced with clearer and less-offensive alternatives. This topic has been vastly discussed in
social sciences and a great number of theories and articles have shed light on the importance of
this topic. The goal of this paper is to communicate these ideas to a larger audience including
educators in applied sciences including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Keywords. education, inclusive language, political correctness.
1. Introduction
In the late '70s, the term Politically Correct (PC) entered the public lexicon. Some used the
term to dismiss views that were seen as too rigid and, also, to poke fun at themselves for the
immense care they took to neither say nor do anything that might offend the political
sensibilities of others. Some latched on to the term and used it to deride left-leaning voices.
Politically correct changes are occurring in English and in many other languages to reflect ideas
of tolerance and inclusion. It is mandatory for educators to explore this phenomenon and to
give learners opportunities to become proficient users of tolerant and inclusive terms [[5]].](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/techssj9&div=15&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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Using Inclusive Language in the Applied-Science Academic Environments
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