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 鈥渒ey鈥�, a masculine word in German, was described by the German speakers with words such as 鈥渉ard鈥� and 鈥渏agged.鈥� The Spanish speakers described a 鈥渒ey鈥�, a feminine word in Spanish, with words like 鈥渋ntricate鈥� and 鈥渓ovely.鈥�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 鈥渓adies and gentlemen,鈥� can alienate nonbinary individuals and cause unnecessary gender associations.听
Instead of gendered addresses, consider using 鈥渇olks,鈥� or 鈥渆veryone,鈥� or even 鈥測鈥檃ll,鈥� to address groups in your classrooms and other communities. Using the word 鈥済uys鈥� 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 听
2. Gentner, D., & Goldin-Meadow, S. (Eds.). (2003). Sex, syntax, and semantics. Language in Mind. 10.7551/mitpress/4117.003.0010听
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