Inclusive Language Guide
Helen Wishart for Oxfam GB, 2023
Summary Description
This is a support guide to encourage people to think about the power of language as well as the language (including images and messages) used in communications. It is not designed as a prescriptive ‘how to’ guide but rather as a tool for reflection on the most appropriate language to use in particular circumstances based on the feminist principles for language use of diversity, power sharing, safety, ‘nothing about us without us’, care and solidarity, inclusion and belonging, and ‘personal is political’. It also explores language use informed by disability, physical and mental health; gender justice, sexual diversity and women’s rights; migration; and race, power and decolonization.
Title
Inclusive Language Guide
Author
Helen Wishart for Oxfam GB
Publisher and year of publication
2023
Resource Type or sub-type
Good Practice Codes and Guidelines; Language Guide
Mainly suitable for
Board members; Communication Staff; Community leaders or educators; Contractors; Education and Public Engagement Staff; Overseas staff; Fundraising/Marketing Staff; HR/Training Staff; Management; Partners; Programme Staff; Volunteers; Young people
Level of Accessibility
Introductory material (easy to read or understand)
Ethical Communications Issues or Groups Addressed
Child Protection/work with vulnerable adults; Coloniality and De-Coloniality; Ethnocentrism, stereotypes and / or racism; Framing/narratives/stories; Gender, disability or sexuality; Humanitarianism/climate change/conflict; Human Rights, Equality and Dignity; Images and Messages, Language; Organisational Culture and Politics; People in the pictures; Representations of Africa; Solidarity
Ethical Communications Processes or Practices Addressed
Decoloniality/anti-racism; Cultural competency; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Informed Consent