Politically Correct Terms and How to Use Them - for English Language Learners

Learning a new language is exciting, but it's not just about learning vocabulary and grammar rules.

It's also about learning how to communicate in a way that's kind and respectful to everyone.

That's where political correctness comes in!

No matter what level of English you have right now, understanding the importance of using inclusive language can make a huge difference in how you interact with others.

In this article, we'll explore what it means to be politically correct, why it's important, and how you can incorporate these concepts into your everyday conversations.

We will also look at some of the many, many terms there are in relation to being politically correct (or PC).

So get ready to take your English skills to the next level, while also learning how to be a more compassionate and considerate communicator!

First things first, what is politically correct language?

It's language that takes into consideration the feelings and identities of others, and avoids language that can be hurtful or offensive.

Why is it important for an English language learner to learn politically correct terms in English?

In general terms, using politically correct language promotes respect, inclusivity, diversity, and positive relationships between people.

We usually try to use PC and respectful language for different identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.

It is important for an English language learner to learn politically correct terms in English because it helps you to communicate effectively and respectfully in a diverse and multicultural society.

This means that you will be able to speak with more confidence and fluency if you know the words you are using are unlikely to offend or hurt, and you know you are being respectful.

In business settings, being politically correct, combined with a knowledge of the cultural background of your clients or international partners, is very important to avoid misunderstandings and to help negotiations and interactions run smoothly and without problems.

By learning politically correct terms, you can also demonstrate your cultural competency and enhance your communication skills in academic, social, and professional settings.

Terminology of politically correct language - what are the right words??

Now, let's talk terminology.

It's important to understand why certain language is preferred and why certain language is considered offensive, so that we can use language that is more inclusive and respectful.

So how can we be politically correct?

There are many, many terms that are related to political correctness. We will outline some politically correct terms in relation to race/ethnicity, sexuality, and gender.

We will also give advice and some correct terminology for being politically correct in professional settings.

How to be politically correct when talking about race

When talking about race, it's important to be aware of the power dynamics and historical context surrounding certain terms and language.

Here are some tips and examples on how to be politically correct:

Use person-first language: This means putting the person before their racial identity. For example, instead of saying "a black person," say "a person who is black."
Avoid racial stereotypes: Do not make assumptions about someone based on their race. For example, do not assume that all Asian people are good at math or that all black people like fried chicken.
Respect cultural differences: Different cultures have different customs and traditions. Avoid making jokes or derogatory comments about someone's culture.
Use specific terminology: Use specific terminology to describe someone's racial identity if necessary. For example, instead of saying "ethnic," use the specific term like "Asian American" or "Latino/a".
Acknowledge systemic racism: Understand that racism is not just about individual prejudices, but also about the systemic inequalities that exist in society.

Examples of politically correct language when talking about race:

Instead of saying "illegal alien," say "undocumented worker."
Instead of saying "coloured," say "person of colour."
Instead of saying "mixed race," say "multiracial."
Instead of saying "Red Indian," say "Native American" or "Indigenous person."
Instead of saying "blacklist," say "blocked list."
Instead of saying "whitelist," say "approved list."
Instead of saying "slave," say "enslaved person" or "person held in slavery."

How to be politically correct when talking about sexuality

Here are some tips on how to be politically correct when discussing sexuality:

Use inclusive language: Avoid making assumptions about people's sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, use gender-neutral terms like "partner" or "significant other" instead of assuming someone's gender or sexual orientation.

Example:

Instead of saying "Are you dating a guy or a girl?" you can say "Are you seeing anyone?"

2. Use appropriate terminology: Be mindful of using outdated or offensive terms, and instead use terminology that is inclusive and respectful.

3. Respect privacy: Don't ask personal questions about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity unless it is relevant to the conversation or situation. It's important to respect people's privacy and allow them to share information about themselves if and when they feel comfortable doing so.

Example:

Instead of asking "Are you gay?" you can ask "Are you seeing anyone?"

4. Avoid stereotypes: Avoid making assumptions about people's sexual orientation or gender identity based on stereotypes or generalizations. Instead, treat each individual as an individual and respect their right to self-identify.

Overall, when talking about sexuality, it's important to use language that is respectful, inclusive, and non-judgmental.

How to be politically correct when talking about gender

Here are some tips on how to be politically correct when talking about gender:

Avoid assuming binary gender identities: Not everyone identifies as male or female, so it's important to avoid using language that assumes binary gender identities. Instead, use gender-neutral language or ask individuals for their preferred gender pronouns.

Example: Instead of saying "he" or "she", say "they" or use the person's preferred gender pronoun.

This is especially useful in writing → when you write or speak in English, it is grammatically correct to use him/her or use only one gender, either him or her, but it is politically correct to use the pronouns they, them, or their.

2. Avoid sexist language: Sexist language reinforces gender stereotypes and can be harmful. Avoid using language that reinforces gender roles or diminishes the contributions of a particular gender.

Example:

Instead of saying "men are better at math", say "people of all genders can excel in math".

3. Use inclusive language: Use language that includes people of all gender identities and avoids marginalizing anyone.

Example:

Instead of saying "ladies and gentlemen", say "folks" or "everyone".

4. Respect gender identity: Respect the gender identity of individuals and use language that affirms their identity.

How to be politically correct in the workplace and avoid gender stereotypes

Note: we are using gender as an example but it also applies to race, sexual orientation, ability and other identities.

In the workplace, it's important to be politically correct and avoid gender stereotypes to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Avoid assuming gender roles: Don't assume that men are always the breadwinners or that women are always responsible for childcare. Instead, allow individuals to define their own roles.
Use gender-neutral language: Use terms like "they" instead of "he" or "she" when referring to an individual whose gender is unknown or when referring to a group of people.
Don't make assumptions about gender identity: Some people don't identify as male or female. If you're not sure, ask respectfully.
Avoid gendered language in job postings: Use gender-neutral language when writing job descriptions and avoid using gendered pronouns when describing the ideal candidate - use ¨they¨ or ¨the candidate¨instead of he or she, for example.
Offer equal opportunities: Make sure all employees have equal opportunities for promotions, pay raises, and other benefits regardless of their gender.
Address and correct gender-biased behaviour: If you notice gender-biased behavior, address it immediately and provide feedback on how it can be corrected.

Examples of gender-neutral language in the workplace include:

"Chairperson" instead of "Chairman"
"Spokesperson" instead of "Spokesman"
"Salesperson" instead of "Salesman"
"Flight attendant" instead of "Stewardess" or "Flight attendant"
"Server" instead of "Waitress" or "Waiter"
Äctor¨instead of ¨actress¨.

Other terms used in the discussion around being politically correct

What do words like snowflake, woke, and ´cancel´ mean in terms of political correctness?

These words are often used in discussions about political correctness and can have different meanings depending on the context and the speaker.

Snowflake:

According to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowflake_(slang) referring to someone as a snowflake (copo de nieve) is saying they are overly sensitive and easily offended.

Woke:

To be ´woke´ means to be socially and politically aware.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke#:~:text=Within%20the%20decade%20of%20the,socially%20aware'%20among%20BLM%20activists.

To be cancelled:

to completely reject and stop supporting someone, especially because they have said something that offends you: A celebrity who has shared an unpopular opinion on social media risks being "cancelled": they are completely boycotted by fans. Read examples here: https://www.thehealthyjournal.com/faq/who-is-currently-cancelled

As it is impossible to list all the politically correct terms, here are some general tips on how to speak in a politically correct way:

Educate yourself: Learn about different identities, experiences, and backgrounds. Understand the history and context of different communities and be mindful of the language you use when referring to them.
Use respectful language: Use language that shows respect for different identities and experiences. Avoid language that reinforces stereotypes, prejudices, or discrimination.
Avoid assumptions: Don't assume someone's identity, experiences, or preferences based on their appearance, behavior, or other characteristics. Ask respectfully if you're unsure about how to refer to someone or their experiences.
Use inclusive language: Use language that is inclusive of all genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, and other identities.

For example:

Use "they/them" instead of assuming binary gender identities

Use "person with a disability" instead of "disabled person."

Use ¨living with mental illness´ instead of ´suffering from mental illness.¨

Say ¨a person with an intellectual disability¨, instead of ¨intellectually disabled¨.

Use terms like ´neurodivergent¨ or ¨functional diversity¨ instead of ¨disabled¨.

5. Be open to feedback: Listen to feedback from others if they feel that your language is hurtful, offensive, or marginalizing. Be willing to learn and make changes to your language use.

6. Ask! If you are not sure, say it, and ask the person how they would like to be addressed.

It's important to note that language is constantly evolving, and what was once considered politically correct may not be anymore.

It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest language trends and changes, and to continue to educate yourself and be mindful of the language you use.

So there you have it! By being aware of the correct terminology when speaking English, you will feel more confident when speaking, be less likely to cause offence or create misunderstandings, and be able to communicate more effectively with others.