Inclusive language

Inclusive languageĀ is free from words, phrases, or tones that reflect prejudiced, stereotyped or discriminatory views of particular people.

Our stance on inclusive language

The words we choose are the building blocks and the glue that hold our diverse teams together. Language not only has the power to build bridges and increase understanding, but also the capability to alienate and dismiss.

At Atlassian, our diverse teams build tools for an equally diverse audience, and we strive to use inclusive language in all we do. We know that, as a society, we are always evolving and the language we use must also evolve. This influences how we build things and how we communicate ā€” both internally and externally. We encourage ourselves to seek first to understand the impact of our words, intentional or unintentional, and we diligently reexamine our word choices as we all learn and grow.

What is inclusive language?

Inclusive language is language thatĀ is free from words, phrases, or tones that reflect prejudiced, stereotyped, or discriminatory views of particular people or groups. Even when a remark or action based on a stereotype is not based on a conscious prejudice, it can still be hurtful and cause harm or damage to the person on the receiving end.

When we think about inclusivity, we champion ā€œpeople-first languageā€. This means that we keep the individual as the most important part of the sentiment and donā€™t concentrate on characteristics like gender, sexual orientation, religion, racial group, or ability unless it's relevant to the discussion.

Some of this is new or can be confusing, so if you arenā€™t sure, ask.Ā Strive to include language that reflects peoplesā€™ choice and style in how they talk about themselves.

Categories

This is a checklist/set of questions and then examples.

In using inclusive language, it is useful to keep the following generic questions in mind:

  1. Do you need to refer to personal characteristics such as sex, religion, racial group, disability, or age at all?

  2. Are the references to group characteristics couched in inclusive terms?

  3. Do the references to people reflect the diversity of that audience?

  4. Is your use of jargon and acronyms (J&Aā€™s) excluding people who may not have specialized knowledge of a particular subject?

  5. Inclusive language does not mean cumbersome, dull, or vague language; it simply means language that has been carefully constructed in ways that treat all people with respect and impartiality.

Culture and religion

We are a diverse company with individuals from all over the world, delivering software for teams all over the world. Even though we may be a multicultural company, the cultural beliefs, values, and traditions that are centered and dominant in societyā€™s structures and practices can find themselves creeping into our lives. Sometimes we use language that unintentionally excludes or diminishes.

Best practices

  • Donā€™t use terms or phrases that have religious origins.

  • Donā€™t use expressions that ignore the history and achievements of any culture.

  • Avoid using language where the cultural beliefs, values, and traditions are centered on the dominant culture or that perpetuates a ā€˜them and usā€™ mentality.

Examples

Don't

"Minorities"

Do

"Underrepresented groups"

Reasoning: When referencing as a group of ā€œothersā€ It implies that a group is a lesser part of the whole and gives the power to the ā€œmajorityā€.

Don't

"Sacred cow"

Do

"Off-limits"

Reasoning: Culturally insensitive references to sacred practices, rituals, or beliefs.

Don't

"Spirit animal"

Do

"What animal do you identify with the most?" or "What animal is your kindred spirit?"

Reasoning: Culturally insensitive references to sacred practices, rituals, or beliefs.

Don't

"Christian name"

Do

ā€œFirst nameā€ or ā€œfull nameā€ depending on the situation

Reasoning: Itā€™s exclusive and biased.

Don't

"Citizens"

Do

"The public"

Reasoning: When referencing all people in a country. This excludes people who are living in a country, who are not citizens, such as refugees and visa holders.

Race and ethnicity

Best practices

  • Avoid emphasis on differences between any groups of people

  • Avoid stereotyping or positive/negative generalizations

  • Avoid promotion of ethnic or racial invisibility

Examples

Don't

ā€œflesh-coloredā€ or ā€œneutralā€

Do

Using a color name like ā€œbeigeā€ or ā€œcreamā€

Reasoning: When referencing beige or lighter colors. It implies that beige is the only flesh color.

Don't

ā€œBlackā€ or ā€œwhiteā€

Do

Use more direct language. For example ā€œallowlistā€ and ā€œblocklistā€ instead of ā€œwhitelistā€ and ā€œblacklistā€.

Reasoning: When referring to positive or negative or good or bad things. It implies their one is better than the other.

Don't

"Itā€™s not that black and whiteā€

Do

ā€œItā€™s not that clearā€

Reasoning: It reinforces the concept that black and white are opposed and one is good and the other evil.

Don't

"master"

Do

"primary/replica" or "primary/client"

Reasoning: References slavery.

Don't

The term grandfather or grandfathered

Do

ā€œlegacy"

Reasoning: The term ā€œgrandfather clauseā€ originated in the American South in the 1890s as a way to defy the 15th Amendment and prevent black Americans from voting. Itā€™s also kinda ageist.

Don't

ā€œCall a spade a spadeā€

Do

"Tell it like it is"

Reasoning: Disparaging of a particular race or ethnicity.

Don't

"Chinese firedrill"

Do

"circus" or "goat rodeo" (also potentially insensitive to goats)

Reasoning: Disparaging of a particular race or ethnicity.

Don't

"Chinese whispers"

Do

"a game of telephone"or ā€œa game of whispersā€

Reasoning: Disparaging of a particular race or ethnicity.

Don't

ā€œGypā€

Do

"Cheat"

Reasoning: Disparaging of a particular race or ethnicity.

Don't

ā€œCircle the wagonsā€

Do

Get our act together

Reasoning: Insensitive to Native Americans.

Don't

ā€œHold down the fortā€

Do

ā€œKeep the lights onā€

Reasoning: Insensitive to Native Americans.

Don't

ā€œPow-wowā€

Do

"huddle", "meet up", or "meeting of the minds" (when used as a noun)

Reasoning: Insensitive to Native Americans.

Don't

"Off the reservation"

Do

"Off the deep end"

Reasoning: Insensitive to Native Americans.

Ableism

Best practices

  • Only mention disabilities when itā€™s relevant. If youā€™ve designed a feature specifically for people who are blind, great, but avoid just throwing it into your text when itā€™s not relevant.

  • Focus on the person rather than a disability.

  • Avoid suggesting victimhood.

Examples

Don't

"A deaf person"

Do

"A person who is deaf"

Reasoning: Describing an attribute and not the person. Please note that this isn't universal. Some communities embrace different practices. See: https://deafaustralia.org.au/

Don't

ā€œafflicted byā€ ā€œsuffers fromā€

Do

ā€œhasā€ or ask why you are referencing the condition at all.

Reasoning: Frames the person as a victim and helpless.

Don't

"special"

Do

Just donā€™t use it.

Reasoning: Term has been used historically to segregate people with disabilities.

Don't

ā€œCrazyā€, ā€œOCDā€, ā€œADDā€, ā€œSpazā€, ā€œLameā€, ā€œbipolarā€ as emphasis, or to exaggerate.

Do

Wild, hectic, intense, out of hand

Reasoning: Some of these are derogatory, some refer to specific conditions, either way, they are not terms to be used for ā€˜effectā€™.

Don't

"until the fat lady sings"

Do

"it ain't over until it's over" or "it ain't over 'till the credits roll"

Reasoning: Insensitive language, - fat-shaming.

Don't

"handicapped" or "differently-abled"

Do

ā€œPeople with disabilitiesā€

Reasoning: Term has been used historically to segregate people with disabilities.

Don't

ā€œabnormalā€

Do

ā€œtypicalā€ or ā€œatypicalā€

Reasoning: Term has been used historically to segregate people with disabilities.

Don't

"retarded" (as a synonym for "stupid", etc.)

Do

"ridiculous", "laughable", "absurd", "wrong"... too many viable alternatives to list them all!

Reasoning: Term has been used historically to segregate people with disabilities.

Vulgar language

This might seem a bit hypocritical for us to talk about when we have a company value of ā€œDonā€™t F%$& the customerā€ but we have to consider the impact of our words. This value uses swearing for emphasis, but youā€™ll rightly see Atlassian's refer to this in conversation with terms like ā€œDonā€™t F%$& the customerā€ when they suspect that it might cause offense.

As we are adults and are often talking to other adults, it can be tempting to add jokes or innuendo of a sexual nature, in the name of ā€˜winkā€™.

Best practices

  • Donā€™t use sexual references. Ever.

  • Avoid profanity.

  • Love and romance are fine but stay out of the bedroom.

Examples

Don't

ā€œWhile impressive, your diff is just too bigā€ - actual Atlassian error message at one point

Do

ā€œThe diff is too bigā€ followed by what the user can do about it

Reasoning: Sexual innuendo, and presumptions about the reader.

Don't

"moneyshot"

Do

"punchline", "zinger", or "piece de resistance"

Reasoning: While some terms may not have origins in offensive language, they have been co-opted over the years and itā€™s best practice to avoid.

Don't

"nut it out"

Do

"power through" or "puzzle it out"

Reasoning: While some terms may not have origins in offensive language, they have been co-opted over the years and itā€™s best practice to avoid.

Don't

ā€œballs outā€ or "balls to the wall"

Do

ā€œall outā€, ā€œfull tiltā€, ā€œall inā€ ā€œ110%ā€

Reasoning: While some terms may not have origins in offensive language, they have been co-opted over the years and itā€™s best practice to avoid.

Don't

ā€œBuggerā€

Do

"sucker" or "bad boy" or "thingy"

Reasoning: It references a sexual act.

Sexism

Best practices

  • Use gender neutral language.

  • Reduce unnecessary or irrelevant references to personal characteristics based on gender and male-related terms.

  • Avoid referencing a personā€™s gender except where it is pertinent to the discussion.

  • Donā€™t use language that privileges men and renders women invisible or inferior.

Examples

Don't

"him" or "her"

Do

"they" (yes: it's acceptable even when referring to one person) Unless the recipient has specified a preference.

Reasoning: Not gender neutral.

Don't

"guys"

Do

"people", "folks", "teammates", "y'all"

Reasoning: Not gender neutral, renders women invisible.

Don't

"*-man" (e.g., chairman)

Do

"chair", "moderator", "firefighter", "police officer", "mail carrier",Ā etc.

Reasoning: Not gender neutral, renders women invisible.

Don't

ā€œmankindā€

Do

ā€œpeopleā€ or ā€œhumanityā€

Reasoning: Not gender neutral, renders women invisible.

Don't

"ninja" or "rockstar"

Do

advertise job openings with neutral, straightforward titles, such as ā€œEngineerā€ or ā€œAssociate,ā€

Reasoning: Semi-gendered - studies have shown that (specifically in job descriptions) women are less likely to apply when these types of descriptors are used (also ā€œcompetitiveā€ or ā€œdeterminedā€). Conversely, ā€œcooperativeā€ and ā€œcollaborativeā€ tend to attract more women and turn away men.

Don't

ā€œmanpowerā€

Do

"workforce"

Reasoning: Not gender neutral renders women invisible.

Don't

"open the kimono"

Do

"pull back the curtain" or ā€œshed lightā€

Reasoning: Sexualizes women.

Don't

"girl" or "girls"

Do

"woman" / "women"Ā (when referring to someone 18 or older)

Reasoning: Belittles women, places them in a position of inferiority.

Don't

"until the fat lady sings"

Do

"it ain't over until it's over" or "it ain't over 'till the credits roll"

Reasoning: Insensitive.

Sexual orientation and gender identity

Best practices

  • Avoid language that reinforces the assumption that all personal relationships are heterosexual and denies the reality of same-sex relationships.

  • Avoid stereotyping LGBTIQ people. Placing limitations or expectations on people because they belong to a certain group is damaging, hurtful, and discriminatory.

  • Avoid phrases that disparage or trivialize the diversity of LGBTIQ people.

Examples

Don't

ā€œwife/husbandā€ or ā€œgirlfriend/boyfriendā€

Do

ā€œspouseā€ or ā€œpartnerā€

Reasoning: Reinforces the assumption that all relationships are heterosexual, and renders same-sex relationships invisible.

Don't

ā€œfagā€, ā€œdykeā€, ā€œqueerā€, ā€œpooftaā€ and ā€œtrannyā€

Do

ā€œgayā€, ā€œlesbianā€, ā€œbisexualā€ and ā€œtransgenderā€

Reasoning: These terms are derogatory when used by people outside the LGBTIQ community.

Don't

"gay" as a negative characteristic

Do

Why be negative in the first place?

Reasoning: Itā€™s homophobic.

Ageism

Best practices

Ageist language relies on stereotyping individuals based on the perceived characteristics of a group. It de-emphasizes the individual - there is more to each of us than our descriptors.

  • Inclusive language should be sensitive to the entire age range. Terms such as ā€˜olderā€™ and ā€˜youngerā€™ are relative and should be used with clarity and in context.

  • Use more neutral terms that arenā€™t definitive such as ā€œolder peopleā€, ā€œyouthā€ or ā€œyoung peopleā€.

  • Avoid terms that limit and categorize. Instead, choose terms such as older adults, aging population, or mention the person's relative age or relationship to the other people instead.

  • Avoid any stereotyping or connotation that a particular age group is more or less able, or has stereotypical characteristics by virtue of chronological age alone. Avoid using expressions such as ā€˜a young and vibrant'.

Examples

Don't

Seniors, elderly, old-folks, senior citizens

Do

Older adults, older person, aging adult

Reasoning: Terms have connotations.

Don't

ā€œ80-years youngā€

Do

Explicitly say the age ā€“ unless this is something they are uncomfortable with

Reasoning: Implies that being young is preferable.

Don't

ā€œYoung and vibrantā€

Do

"Energetic, lively"

Reasoning: Implies that being young is preferable.

Socio-economic status

Best practices

People can make negative and positive assumptions based on where someone lives and their perceived economic status. These assumptions can in turn lead to harmful language based on cultural stereotypes and historic events. Many slang words and idioms can also reference socio-economic status. Remember your own privilege and move away from using classist language.

Inclusive language related to socio-economic status should:

  • Treat all people fairly, regardless of where theyā€™re from or what they do

  • Avoid negative terms based on where someoneā€™s from or what they do

  • Only be mentioned (without judgment) when relevant to a discussion

Examples

Don't

Bogan or redneck

Do

Just donā€™t!

Reasoning: A negative term relating to someoneā€™s perceived socio-economic status.

Don't

Hobo

Do

"Person experiencing poverty"

Reasoning: Makes the experience of homelessness feel like the fault of the person, and defines that person by that single experience.

Don't

"Sold down the river"

Do

"Thrown under the bus"

Reasoning: American slavery reference.

Don't

ā€œPeanut galleryā€

Do

"the crowd" or "hecklers" or "naysayers"

Reasoning: A nickname for the cheapest and ostensibly rowdiest seats in the theater, the occupants of which were often known to heckle the performers. In America, this was often a negative reference to lower-socio economic classes.


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