To avoid sexist language, employ strategies like using passive voice or plural constructions, eliminating pronouns where possible, switching to direct address, and choosing from an increasingly available range of nonsexist terms.
Avoiding sexist language is crucial for fostering inclusivity and respect. Here’s a breakdown of effective strategies:
1. Utilize Passive Voice and Plural Constructions
- Passive Voice: Instead of saying "The manager needs his assistant to complete the report," you could say "The report needs to be completed." This eliminates the need for a gendered pronoun.
- Plural Constructions: Change singular nouns to plural. For example, instead of "The doctor should review his patient's history," use "Doctors should review their patients' histories."
2. Eliminate Pronouns
Sometimes, pronouns can be omitted altogether without sacrificing clarity. For instance, instead of "Each employee should submit his timesheet," simply say "Each employee should submit a timesheet."
3. Switch to Direct Address
Directly addressing the reader often eliminates the need for gendered language. Instead of "An applicant should submit his resume," use "Please submit your resume."
4. Employ Nonsexist Terms
- Replace Gendered Nouns: Instead of "chairman," use "chairperson" or "chair." Replace "fireman" with "firefighter," "policeman" with "police officer," and "mailman" with "mail carrier."
- Avoid Gendered Titles: Use "Ms." instead of "Miss" or "Mrs." unless you know a woman's preference. Use "Mx." as a gender-neutral alternative.
- Inclusive Language: Use terms like "spouse" or "partner" instead of "husband" or "wife." Use "they/them/their" as singular pronouns when gender is unknown or irrelevant, although this can sometimes be grammatically incorrect and should be used judiciously and carefully.
5. Be Sensitive and Aware
- Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading or hearing your language and strive to avoid language that may offend.
- Stay Updated: Language evolves. Stay informed about current best practices in inclusive language.
- Seek Feedback: Ask others to review your writing or speech for potential bias.
6. Examples of Non-Sexist Alternatives
| Sexist Term | Non-Sexist Alternative |
|---|---|
| Businessman | Businessperson |
| Salesman | Salesperson |
| Manpower | Workforce |
| The common man | The average person |
| Ladies and gentlemen | Everyone, folks, esteemed guests |
By actively implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce and avoid sexist language, creating a more inclusive and respectful environment.
