Use Of Inclusive Language Research Articles

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE PATIENTS: Mind the gap: a nationwide audit of LGBTQ+ inclusion in fertility care providers in the United Kingdom.

We describe a first-of-its-kind audit of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in fertility care providers across the United Kingdom. Despite efforts being made to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in fertility care, our results paint a picture of widespread gaps in clinical and cultural expertise alongside significant barriers to LGBTQ+ inclusion. LGBTQ+ patients comprise one of the fastest-growing user demographics in fertility care, yet they remain under-represented in fertility research, practice, and discourse. Existing studies have revealed significant systemic barriers, including cisheteronormativity, discrimination, and gaps in clinical expertise. In this article, we present a checklist of measures that clinics can take to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in fertility care, co-created with members of the LGBTQ+ community. This checklist focuses on three key areas: cultural competence, clinical considerations, and online presence. The cultural competence criteria encompass inclusive communication practices, a broad understanding of LGBTQ+ healthcare needs, and knowledge of treatment options suitable for LGBTQ+ individuals. Clinical considerations include awareness of alternative examination and gamete collection techniques for transgender and gender diverse patients, the existence of specific clinical pathways for LGBTQ+ patients, and sensitivity to the psychological aspects of fertility care unique to this demographic. The online presence criteria evaluate provider websites for the use of inclusive language and the availability of LGBTQ+-relevant information. The checklist was used as the foundation for an audit of fertility care providers across the UK in early 2024. Our audit identified a widespread lack of LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly for transgender and gender diverse patients, highlighting deficiencies in clinical knowledge and cultural competence. Our work calls attention to the need for further efforts to understand the barriers to inclusive and competent LGBTQ+ fertility care from both healthcare provider and patient perspectives.

Digital political communication through a gender lens: discourses, themes, and inclusive language. A case study of two gender-balanced elections in Andalusia: 2018 and 2022

Electoral campaigns are particularly significant moments for identifying the available political options. Social media campaigns have become universal, and every candidate seeks to showcase their proposals and distinct political personality. The main goal of this article is to examine electoral political communication on social media platforms through a gender perspective. We analyze the messages posted on X (formerly Twitter) by candidates during the last two election campaigns in Andalusia. With a total sample of 2,196 posts, we applied quantitative content analysis and binary logistic regression, in addition to qualitative discourse análisis to a subset of the sample. We aim to identify how, where, when and by whom issues pertaining to women as a collective, feminism, gender, or the use of egalitarian language are introduced into two campaigns characterized by gender-balanced representation of candidates. Our findings indicate a limited use of inclusive language and infrequent foregrounding of women in discourse. Nonetheless, gender is a significant explanatory factor for a more inclusive communication style toward women, alongside an explicit emphasis on addressing policies affecting women.

Factors contributing to gender differences in language use during Bukusu marriage ceremonies in Bungoma County

This study sought to examine the factors contributing to gender differences in language use during Bukusu marriage ceremonies in Bungoma County. Discursive practices provide context through which language is used. Some of the cultural practices, such as Bukusu customary marriages, which provide context for language use, more often than not perpetuate gender differences in language. Purposive sampling was used to select 40 respondents in four marriage ceremonies. Data was collected from all four key stages of a Bukusu marriage ceremony on a cross-sectional basis. Data was collected through direct observations during marriage ceremonies, in-depth interviews with respondents, and focus group discussions. The study was informed by Ruth Wodak’s Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA). The data was translated, transcribed and analysed to identify the factors behind gender differences in language use. The findings indicate that gender differences in language use during Bukusu customary marriage ceremonies in the Kimilili sub-county are shaped by societal expectations, cultural heritage, traditional gender roles, socialisation and gendered power dynamics. The study is important as it explores gendered language in Bukusu marriage ceremonies, shedding light on how language reinforces gender norms. It will fill a research gap and contribute to promoting gender equality by informing strategies for inclusive language use in various settings.

He/She/They - gender inclusivity in developing and using health-related questionnaires: a scoping review.

To ensure the recognition and participation of all potential respondents in health research, surveys and care, including LGBTQIA + broadly, and trans people, specifically, the use of inclusive language should be considered. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe strategies considered for gender inclusivity in development and use of health questionnaires and Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs). A systematic search of peer reviewed publications between January 2000 and September 2022 was conducted in Scopus, ProQuest Central, Ovid Medline (PubMed and EBSCO). Two reviewers independently screened identified publications titles and abstracts, followed by full text screening and data extraction from eligible articles. The search of over 5000 publications, retained 18; most acknowledged gaps in representation and advocated for gender-inclusive language. Eight articles discussed exclusion from health care and health research for gender minority groups due to the use of gendered language. Improved reliability, validity and response rates were associated with the use of gender-neutral language in seven articles. Only one article reported finding irritation among cisgender males when non-binary gender response options were used. One paper, focussing on instruments for Rheumatoid Arthritis, discussed gaps in representation if diverse gender identities were not considered when developing PROMs. This scoping review points to the importance of adopting gender-inclusive language in health questionnaires and surveys to reduce the risk of excluding gender minority groups. Despite finding very few specific examples of how others have used gender-inclusive language in health questionnaires, many strengths of gender-inclusive language usage were identified.

Developing Inclusive Language and Image Guidance for LibGuides: A Case Study

ABSTRACT This article outlines the work of a task group responsible for developing inclusive language and image guidelines for LibGuide creators at one academic library. While the library’s LibGuide creators already adhered to Web site accessibility guidance, guidelines for the use of inclusive language and images were lacking. This article describes the process for creating the guidelines and the assessment of the guidelines 1 year after their incorporation. From their review of existing inclusivity guidelines created by other organizations and from the feedback they received in their assessment of the guidelines, the authors conclude that LibGuide creators benefit from having a set of inclusivity guidelines developed for the specific context of research guides in an academic library.

A lexicological response to Motschenbacher’s Linguistic Dimensions of Sexual Normativity (2022)

This article is a critical engagement with Heiko Motschenbacher’s Linguistic Dimensions of Sexual Normativity (2022), which examines the discursive construction of sexuality through the lens of normativity in the aim of empiricizing queer linguistic data via corpus methods. Underpinned by a lexicalist stance based on a novel Foucauldian argument and a readaptation of sociological “labeling theory”, the book argues for a lexically based construction of sexual normativity through the words used to describe sexual beings or practices. Critiques are proposed here concerning the work’s treatment of Foucauldian theory, labeling theory, and lexical history. By opposing normativity but also enacting it via guidelines for inclusive language use, the work under study raises political questions about linguistic authority. A sociolexicological approach, seeing the lexicon as the site of structured variation as for any other language feature, offers a way out of binary essentialist/constructivist thinking and opens alternate perspectives on interrogating the queer past and present.

Slow and Steady: Using Inclusive Language to Enhance Academic Medicine’s Social Accountability

Abstract Language is more than the use of words for pragmatic purposes, and language and thought are intertwined in complex ways. In medical contexts, the relational and dynamic nature of language requires that individuals pay close attention not only to the information communicated but also to how its delivery and reception impact inclusion. Adopting inclusive language principles can play a key role in those in academic medicine living up to the values of equity and inclusion, as they manifest in each of the 5 missions of academic medicine: scientific discovery, education, clinical care, collaboration with communities and partners, and standards of equity, professionalism, and ethics. In this commentary, the authors explore inclusive language as it applies to 3 topics that have rapidly evolved in academic medicine: gender inclusivity, linguistic attributes, and trauma-informed language. For each of these topics, the authors describe practical examples of how inclusive language can be applied across multiple settings in academic medicine—including the patient-physician relationship, medical education, and scholarly writing—by centering the perspectives of those who have been marginalized or excluded. When holding scholars, physicians, and leaders in academic medicine accountable for their use of inclusive language, humility should be balanced with competence. Specifically, linguistic humility should be paired with skills-building efforts and an attitude of life-long learning, and reacting to mistakes should be coupled with restorative justice approaches to address harm and proactive strategies to maximize inclusivity. Inclusive language efforts must be like the slow and steady tortoise—to be effective and authentically rigorous, academic medicine must be intentional and consistent in driving equitable and inclusive practices that support sustained participation, engagement, belonging, and thriving.

Gender-inclusive language in midwifery and perinatal services: A guide and argument for justice.

Effective communication in relation to pregnancy and birth is crucial to quality care. A recent focus in reproductive healthcare on "sexed language" reflects an ideology of unchangeable sex binary and fear of erasure, from both cisgender women and the profession of midwifery. In this paper, we highlight how privileging sexed language causes harm to all who birth-including pregnant trans, gender diverse, and non-binary people-and is, therefore, unethical and incompatible with the principles of midwifery. We show how this argument, which conflates midwifery with essentialist thinking, is unstable, and perpetuates and misappropriates midwifery's marginalized status. We also explore how sex and gender essentialism can be understood as colonialist, heteropatriarchal, and universalist, and therefore, reinforcing of these harmful principles. Midwifery has both the opportunity and duty to uphold reproductive justice. Midwifery can be a leader in the decolonization of childbirth and in defending the rights of all childbearing people, the majority of whom are cisgender women. As the systemwide use of inclusive language is central to this commitment, we offer guidance in relation to how inclusive language in perinatal and midwifery services may be realized.

Study on Inclusive Language in Chinese and Thai News Report from the Perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis

News report, an important way of disseminating information, is always readily accepted without any prejudice. However, the ideology embedded in it is often ignored by readers. In response to the call for people’s ideology among inclusive language, this research draws on the perspective of critical discourse analysis to investigate what the similarities and differences of inclusive language used in Chinese and Thai news report and the reasons behind the discrepancy. Based on Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework, this research collects 4 separate news reports from People’s Daily and Siam Daily to examine the hidden ideology in inclusive language. The analysis reveals that both media are aware of the importance of inclusive language and use it to reduce ambiguity and stigma in reports. These findings have significant implications for institutions such as public spaces or the media should standardize the use of inclusive language, where necessary.

P.019 A shared decision-model toolkit for pregnancy related care in neurology

Background: Shared decision-making (SDM) is a dynamic, patient-engaged approach to collaborative medical care. Limited SDM tools exist in pregnancy. We aimed to examine the need and usability of a novel SDM tool for pharmaco-therapeutic treatment of neurological conditions in pregnancy. Methods: This is an exploratory mixed-methods study. Non-pregnant women of any age were recruited using convenience, purposive sampling from an academic neurology clinic in Toronto. Participants reported the user friendliness of the SDM by completing the systems usability (SUS) questionnaire and participated in a focus group to further elaborate on their experience. Results: Eleven participants completed the survey 45% each between age 31-40, and 51-60. Median time spent on the tool was 17.2 minutes, and median SUS score 70 (<68 being not usable). Thematic data analysis from 2 focus groups, identified technical and content improvements: use of inclusive language, simplified design, and importance of patient engagement in SDM. Conclusions: Based on our preliminary results, a SDM web-tool for medication-related concerns of pregnant patients with neurological conditions is needed and usable. With integration of patients’ lived experiences, this novel tool may serve as an anchor point for future work in this field.

How dare we? The relation between language use, global identity, and climate activism

Identifying with and caring for people all over the world (i.e., a global identity) is positively related to pro-environmental behaviour. However, less is known how to foster such a global identity. Drawing on social identity theory, we investigated whether using inclusive (vs. exclusive) language in the context of demonstrations for climate protection increases people’s global identity. Moreover, we examined whether inclusive language use strengthens people’s intentions to engage in pro-environmental activism and their pro-environmental policy support, while reducing their denial of climate change implications, through a heightened global identity. In our pre-registered online experiment with a convenience sample mostly living in Germany (N = 307), we found no significant impacts of language use. Language effects did also not depend on people’s prior identification with the climate movement. However, our results show that, in line with our assumptions, the stronger people’s global identity, the more they intended to become pro-environmentally active, the more they supported pro-environmental policies, and the less they denied their impact on climate change.

Name Bias: Application Through the 4-Step Process Using Foundations of Critical Theory in Organizational Settings

The phenomenon of name bias in the workplace has received scholarly attention, particularly within organizational dynamics, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The article aims to identify the ramifications of name bias within organizational structures and how to mitigate it using the foundations of critical theory. The article provides a comprehensive overview of name perception within organizational settings, mainly focusing on the potential biases leading to unintentional or deliberate favoring of individuals in hiring decisions or discrimination based solely on their names. This research highlights the detrimental impact of name bias on organizational dynamics, proving that it hinders progress toward a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture. The article conducts a literature review of articles in peer-reviewed journals selected from such academic resources as ABI/INFORM Collection, Business Source Complete (EBSCO Host), Google Scholar, JSTOR and ProQuest Research Library using the keywords “critical theory”, “diversity”, “equity”, “inclusivity” and “name bias”. Application of critical theory in the hiring process empowers organizations to deconstruct systemic biases, fostering a fairer, more inclusive environment for all candidates. This approach enables scrutiny of neutrality of hiring practices, exposing how seemingly objective criteria can obscure underlying biases rooted in race. Moreover, it unveils the social and cultural significance embedded in names, often intertwined with stereotypes and power dynamics. Organizations are advised to implement a four-step process: 1) raising awareness among staff involved in the hiring process about unconscious bias, including name bias, and its impact on decision-making, and the historical and social context of bias; 2) anonymous screening which is the blind recruitment practice, particularly in the initial stages of the hiring process, which involves removing personal information such as names from resumes to minimize unconscious name bias; 3) diverse hiring panels that include individuals from various racial backgrounds and give voices to marginalized groups. This can help reduce the impact of individual biases and promote a more inclusive decision-making process; 4) clear and standardized criteria for evaluating candidates to ensure that assessments are based on relevant skills, qualifications, and experience rather than subjective judgements influenced by names. The use of inclusive language in job descriptions and communications is needed to avoid terms that may be associated with certain demographic groups. The research findings can serve as a valuable resource for organizations looking for solutions to mitigate the phenomenon of name bias.

Neurological care for LGBT+ people.

Sexual and gender minority (LGBT+) people face unique health disparities that must be considered by health-care providers to ensure equitable and inclusive care. Although traditionally LGBT+ health has not been integrated into neurology training, sexual orientation and gender identity have direct relevance to neurological health, driven by both systemic and interpersonal factors. In this Review, we summarize the evidence for associations between sexual orientation and gender identity with the prevalence and outcomes of various neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, stroke and neurodevelopmental disorders, among others. We describe important clinical considerations pertaining to LGBT+ people and recommend language and practices to promote inclusive care, as well as highlight gaps in need of further research and possible strategies to minimize these, including systematic collection of sexual orientation and gender identity and use of inclusive language.

A Survey of Academic Discourse Strategy Ability of Non-English Major Postgraduates in China

Postgraduate students majoring in non-English disciplines require expert academic discourse ability for effective communication and career success. However, limited research exists on the current status of this ability. This survey aims to explore these postgraduates’ academic discourse strategy ability, including language use, argumentation, critical thinking, and discussion engagement. It also aims to identify challenges and areas for improvement among these students. The results will inform educational institutions and policymakers of the need for targeted interventions to support the development of this crucial skill. The findings will also provide practical guidance for teachers and students on improving their academic discourse strategy ability.

How important is the study of pragmatics to train students' communication skills in facing the challenges of the 21st century?

This research aims to analyze pragmatic aspects in Indonesian language textbooks at junior high school (SMP) level. The research method used is qualitative analysis of the texts in the selected textbooks. Data was collected through observation of speech acts in the text, including language use, communicative context, and pragmatic implicatures contained therein. The results of the analysis show that middle school Indonesian language textbooks generally pay attention to pragmatic aspects in selecting and compiling texts, but there are still several shortcomings in their application. Some of these shortcomings include the use of language that is not appropriate to the communicative context, as well as a lack of emphasis on pragmatic aspects which are important in learning Indonesian. The implication of this research is the importance of greater attention to pragmatic aspects in preparing Indonesian language textbooks, to ensure that the texts presented can provide students with a better understanding of language use in various communicative situations.

Language Use of Bilingual Young People: Case of Germany and France

Starting from the second half of the 20th century, Turkish people who had to migrate to European countries due to the need for labor force in Europe, gradually settled in these countries through family reunification. Today, fourth-generation Turkish people are born and raised, educated, and integrated into the working life in these lands. The generations that grow up in a bilingual and double culture environment are exposed to both languages and cultures in their daily lives. In this study, the language use and native language skills of 9 university students from the third and fourth generations who were born and raised in France and Germany are examined in their family and social lives. In this context, the research questions of the study are: "What are the factors that determine the language use of third and fourth-generation Turkish people living in Germany and France?" and “How do competences in language skills affect the language use of bilingual young people?”. In this qualitative study, the phenomenological pattern has been used. Interview technique was used as a data collection tool and semi-structured interview questions were asked to participants, including language use and native language skills. As a result of the study, it was found that young people of the third generation living in France and the fourth generation living in Germany use the dominant language, French and German, mostly, in their social environment and education life. In the family, both languages are used effectively, however, the preferred language with parents is mostly Turkish or a mixture of both languages. Young people tend to speak the target language or code-switch with their siblings and Turkish friends. Regarding to the native language skills, they are more effective in oral communication and comprehension.

Ethnopsychopharmacology: Clinical and scientific writing pearls.

The concept of ethnopsychopharmacology aims to predict or explain the pharmacologic response to psychiatric medications based on the influence of biologic and nonbiologic factors. Interactions involving these factors are complex and influence patient outcomes in health care. Pharmacists and other clinicians working in patient care environments, research, or medical education should engage in lifelong learning to enhance ethnopsychopharmacologic knowledge gaps, which ultimately may improve and individualize care across diverse populations. Through two cases, this paper provides pearls on how biogeographical ancestry and cytochrome P450 status may influence pharmacotherapy selection, dosing, or response. A third scenario highlights a publication, like many other published works, with deficiencies in how data on ancestry, race, and ethnicity are collected or reported. Current recommendations on the use of inclusive language in scientific writing are reviewed, with attention to specific examples.

A Morpho-Syntactic Analysis of Gender-Fair Language in Advertisements of Cosmetic Products in Ghana

Gender-fair language challenges and dismantles prevailing societal gender preconceptions. Cosmetic advertisements have been criticized for unfair language choices that perpetuate gender stereotypes. This study is a morphosyntactic examination of gender-fair language in cosmetic advertisements. The social constructionist theory underpins the study. Thirty (30) product packages and labels for the Ghanaian market were used in this qualitative descriptive survey. Gendered terms were analyzed on the morphological level using Quirk et al.’s (1985) functional principle of word categorization. The data collected revealed that Gender-unfair language is prevalent in cosmetic advertisements. Product names, descriptions and claims often use gendered nouns, pronouns, adjectives, phrases of different types and imperative clauses. This reinforces the idea that certain beauty concerns and products are exclusively tailored to specific genders. Gender-unfair language in cosmetic advertisements results in a limited representation of beauty ideals and practices. The use of inclusive language and representations that challenge gender stereotypes and promote diversity was recommended for cosmetic advertisers. The paper provides insight into academic discourse and practical approaches in gender, communication and marketing studies. Keywords: Advertisements, Cosmetics, Gender-Fair Language, Stereotype, Morphosyntactic

The exclusion of inclusion : A critical analysis of the use of inclusive language in development practice

The exclusion of inclusion : A critical analysis of the use of inclusive language in development practice

Evaluation of Author Instructions for Inclusive Language Guidance in Highly Cited English Language Medical Journals.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the core of publication ethics, and language around DEI has been shown to affect patient outcomes. Inclusive language is an important piece of effective communication and is one way to demonstrate and foster a welcoming, respectful, and accessible environment. Non-inclusive terminology in research may represent implicit bias, which is not typically corrected through introspection; thus, a systematic approach is needed in scientific writing. The prevalence of inclusive language guidance in leading medical journals is currently unknown. Investigators assess the prevalence and quality of inclusive language guidelines in author instructions in highly cited English language medical journals. A cross-sectional review of author instructions from a convenience sample of 100 highly cited medical journals was completed in January 2023. Each journal's author instructions were reviewed for presence of inclusive language guidelines for manuscript submissions. Guidelines that included specific examples of inclusive language were defined as "strong." Author instructions were also reviewed for the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) checklist, and each journal's publisher and impact factor (IF) were recorded. The 100 journals reviewed had an IF range of 3.0-202.7 with a median IF = 19.5 (IQR 11.95, 38.68), and 28 unique publishers were represented. Inclusive language guidance was provided in 23% of medical journals reviewed. Of those, 20 (86.9%) provided strong guidance. Seven journals also recommended use of the SAGER checklist. Significant gaps still exist in ensuring use of inclusive language in medical journals.