gender-neutral language

(noun)

Used to eliminate (or neutralize) references to gender when describing people.

Related Terms

  • epicene
  • singular they
  • Gender-inclusive language
  • Epicene
  • Gender-neutral language

Examples of gender-neutral language in the following topics:

  • Gender-Neutral Language

    • Gender neutrality in language minimizes assumptions about the gender or sex of people referred to in writing or speech.
    • Gender-neutral language is neither masculine nor feminine and avoids using gender specific pronouns such as "he" or "she." 
    • Proponents of gender-neutral language argue that gender-specific language (such as policeman or waitress) often implies male superiority or reflects an unequal state of society.
    • In some cases, laws exist to enforce the use of gender-neutral language in certain situations, such as job advertisements.
    • Different authorities have presented guidelines on when and how to use gender-neutral, or "non-sexist" language.
  • Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

    • All pronouns must agree with their antecedent in number and gender.
    • In some situations, pronouns need to be gender specific.
    • Gender-neutral pronouns include you, they, their, theirs, we, us, our, ours, your, and yours.
    • In the case where the gender of the antecedent is unknown, the pronoun should be gender-neutral or avoided altogether. 
    • [By making the antecedent plural, you can use the gender-neutral plural pronoun their.]
  • Techniques for Acknowledging Opposing Views

    • Whichever way you choose to bring the counterargument into the discussion, however, you'll want to use neutral language.
    • Make it clear that you are presenting someone else's viewpoint, but don't use emotionally charged, biased, or polemical language to summarize it.
    • Don't dismiss your opposition from the outset with language like this: "John Smith naively argues ..."
    • There are many valid ways to introduce an opposing view, but do try to present it in a neutral manner before you shoot it down.
    • Modify language to be neutral in tone when presenting a counterargument
  • When to Use APA Style

    • The guidelines for reducing bias in language have been updated over the years and provide practical guidance for writing about race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status.
  • Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

    • Active voice is generally more direct and neutral than passive voice.
    • "Jamey was fascinated by language arts."
    • This makes the language more objective; in theory, an experiment should happen the same way and have the same results no matter who conducts it.
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  • Accounting
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