CJC Inclusive Language Guide
Introduction
UF College of Journalism and Communications is home to faculty, staff and students who value diverse and collaborative environments. As communicators, we also understand that language impacts and gives evidence of our commitment to inclusivity.
The Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee is providing this inclusive-language guide, a collection of best practices gathered through research, to be utilized when considering communication efforts within the workplace, whether the communication is written or spoken. Inclusive language is defined by the Linguistic Society of America as language that “acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equal opportunities.”
Generally, community members should be asked what terms of identification they prefer.
Instances to Practice Inclusive Language
Person-First Language
Person-first language emphasizes the person before their disability. PFL is a form of linguistic etiquette and considered the most respectful way to address people with disabilities or differences.
PFL guidelines suggest addressing people with disabilities as “a person with” rather than identifying them as their disability. For example, “a person who is blind” instead of “a blind person.” Below are some examples of other ways to practice PFL.
| Less Inclusive | More Inclusive |
| Disabled
Autistic “Afflicted,” “Suffers from,” “A victim of…:” Confined to a wheelchair, wheelchair-bound Suffers from Down Syndrome, “Downs” Learning disabled Quadraplegic/Paraplegic Physically disabled/Crippled |
Adult/Child with a disability
Adult/Child with autism “Person who has..” Person who uses a wheelchair Adult/Child with Down Syndrome Has a learning disability Has quadriplegia/paraplegia Has a physical disability |
Generally, PFL is preferred by people with disabilities except in the case of autistic and deaf people who prefer Identity-first language. Read more about this here.
Age
In general, avoid referencing age. If necessary, use identifying terms such as “baby boomer” or the specific age number. Avoid generalizations that can have a negative connotation such as “old” or “ancient.” Below are some preferred terms when referencing age.
- Older adult, older person
- Younger person
- Teen, teenager, preteen, adolescent
- “People over/under x age…”
Gender and Sexuality
Gender is a part of someone’s identity. It determines how they want to be addressed and how they interact with others; however gender isn’t always determined by someone’s clothes or appearance. It is always best to ask someone what pronouns they prefer before making an assumption.
| Gender | Description |
| Transgender
Cisgender
Non-binary |
Describes a person whose gender does not necessarily align with the one they were assigned at birth.
Describes a person whose gender identity aligns with theone they were assigned at birth.
Used to describe someone who does not exclusively identify as male or female, but rather in between. |
Sexuality refers to someone’s romantic attraction to others.
| Sexuality | Description |
| Heterosexual
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Asexual Pansexual Queer |
Attracted to people of the opposite gender. Attracted to other women. Attracted to people of the same gender. Attracted to both men and women. A person who does not necessarily experience a sexual attraction, but may experience a romantic one. Attracted to all genders, binary or non-binary. Desribes all genders, binary and non-binary, and sexualities that may not be described in the above terms. |
Race and Ethnicity
Race is the classification of groups of people based on physical or biological characteristics such as skin color or hair texture. As a general rule, try to be as specific and respectful as possible when referring to others.
| Race | Description |
| African American/Black
Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander Hispanic/Latin(o/a)/Latinx |
|
Ethnicity refers to someone’s nationality, language or the culture they were raised in. Nationalities are generally capitalized and hyphens are not necessary when referring to ethnic classifications such as Italian American.
This is a live document that will be updated as language and linguistic practices change. If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding inclusive language or this guide, please contact the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Joanna Hernandez at jhernandez@jou.ufl.edu.
Additional Resources and Reading:
Linguistic Society of America – Guidelines for Inclusive Language
Office of Disability Rights – People First Language
Edutopia – Getting Started with Person-first Language
USC Aiken Inclusive Language Guide
Rider University – Using Inclusive Language: Guidelines and Examples