* Race, ethnicity, or national origin:
* Instead of "foreigner," use "immigrant" or "person from another country."
* Avoid generalizations about entire groups of people.
* Gender:
* Use gender-neutral language like "firefighter" instead of "fireman."
* Avoid assumptions about someone's gender identity or expression.
* Sexual orientation:
* Use inclusive language that respects the diversity of sexual orientations.
* Avoid using terms like "homosexual" or "gay" as insults.
* Disability:
* Focus on a person's abilities rather than their disability.
* Avoid using terms like "handicapped" or "crippled."
* Age:
* Avoid using terms like "old" or "elderly" in a derogatory way.
* Use respectful language that acknowledges the value of older individuals.
* Religion:
* Respect individual religious beliefs and practices.
* Avoid making assumptions about someone's religion.
Key Principles of Non-Discriminatory Language:
* Respect: Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
* Inclusion: Use language that is inclusive of all people.
* Accuracy: Use language that accurately reflects the diversity of our world.
* Awareness: Be mindful of the potential impact of your words.
* Sensitivity: Consider how your language might affect others.
Examples of Non-Discriminatory Language:
* Instead of: "The fireman saved the cat."
* Use: "The firefighter saved the cat."
* Instead of: "She's a bit too old for that job."
* Use: "She's a highly qualified candidate for this position."
* Instead of: "He's a little slow."
* Use: "He learns at his own pace."
By using non-discriminatory language, you can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.