Inclusive Language

“Language is power, in ways more literal than most people think. When we speak, we exercise the power of language to transform reality. Why don't more of us realize the connection between language and power?” – Julia Penelope

Person-first and Identity-first Language

Person-first language aims to put the individual rather than one of several characteristics about that individual at the forefront of the conversation. Examples include referring to someone as a "person with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD)" rather than a "Parkinson's patient," or a "person with diabetes" rather than a "diabetic." This approach acknowledges that there is more to the person than the label and chooses to actively highlight this in speech.

Identity-first language puts the disability or identity at the forefront. Traditionally, this has meant using medical labels to refer to people (i.e. a diabetic). However, a lot of communities (i.e. the deaf community) are choosing to take back some of these terms as a way of celebrating their shared identity.

Case Study

Over the last few years, conversations around autism shifted from identity-first (autistic) labels to persons with autism. The underlying idea from advocates was to highlight that autism does not define the individual and should therefore come second to the individual. However, the underlying assumption is that the autism label is negative and needs to be de-emphasized. This is a case where the autistic community chose to take back the term and refer to themselves as autistic. This was to highlight a sense of pride and community with the identity and the shared experiences that come with it. The underlying goal for the change in language has been consistent throughout this period: to empower people, but the resultant language has been in opposite directions. Now and throughout these changes in perception, individual autistic people have chosen a variety of terms to refer to themselves. This added layer of complexity is because a community's use of language is dependent on:

Internalized stigma about the condition they have or the identity they hold
A solidified or rigid self-concept that is based in a certain vocabulary
Cultural and religious concepts that inform the way that they see themselves and their community

Complexity means that there is often not a catch-all strategy for using the correct language.

So what do I do?

When to use person-first

There are certain terms as outlined in the table below that unequivocally should be retired in favour of person-first language. This is both to highlight the real people behind the labels and also to provide a more objective way of referring to people minus the baggage and often negative connotations that come with the use of certain terms.

When to use identity-first

In the case of the deaf and autistic communities, the prevailing guidance is to use identity-first language to affirm pride in the identity and shared experiences.

KEY POINT 1

Person-first language is not appropriate in every context and neither is identity-first language. Best practice is to ask the person in front of you how they prefer to be referred to; however, this is not always practical when referring to a whole community of people in a didactic lecture. In that case, it is best to look it up to be sure. In most cases, person-first is preferred because reclaiming identity is not done in a day and it often requires a well-established base of self-advocates from the community.

Refer to the American Psychological Association (APA) Inclusive Language Guide for more suggestions.

KEY POINT 2

A common reaction to guidelines around language is that there is too much to remember or there is a fear of getting it wrong. We will inevitably get it wrong, even more than once. The point is to (1) acknowledge, (2) apologize if someone is harmed and (3) adjust. The fear of getting it wrong causes many of us to avoid certain topics; it does not lead to any personal growth and it does not show allyship with the communities that need it.

We are all learners in the experiences and identities of others. Practising epistemological humility means acknowledging that the learning does not end. It can be powerful to be upfront with your audience that you are learning this too and that you may mess up from time to time; this is an expected consequence of changing deeply entrenched habits.

Want to learn more about inclsuive language? Check out the online Faculty Development module called "Inclusive Language" by logging into your Instructor Homepage with your CCID.

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