ERIC Number: EJ1454991
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1559-663X
EISSN: EISSN-1559-6621
Embracing Inclusive Language in the Classroom: Activities for English Teachers to Cultivate Gender-Neutral Communication
Christine Roell
English Teaching Forum, v62 n4 p12-19 2024
Imagine a scenario with a pilot and a flight attendant. How do you picture them? Now read the following anecdote: Sandra, an airline pilot with years of experience, was preparing for her flight while chatting with Mike, a flight attendant who had just joined the crew. Some of the passengers were surprised to see Sandra confidently taking control of the cockpit, while Mike, with a warm smile, provided the safety instructions. In this example by the author, what may surprise some people lies in the reversal of traditional gender roles. Sandra, as the experienced pilot, challenges the assumption that pilots are typically male. Mike, on the other hand, as a flight attendant, challenges the expectation that flight attendants are primarily female. Although these departures from traditional gender roles are becoming more and more common, they continue to defy some people's stereotypical assumptions. The possible misconception here is based on the fact that "pilot" and "flight attendant" are gender-neutral or gender-inclusive job titles that are not specifically associated with one gender. Inclusive language practices promote a culture of respect and understanding, and they foster awareness of the diversity that exists among people. Various English-speaking countries have adopted gender-neutral language policies. In Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the United States, both public and private institutions have taken steps to incorporate gender-neutral language into their policies, guidelines, and even legal frameworks. Activities help raise students' awareness and allow them to practice using gender-neutral language terms. By consistently using gender-neutral language in communication, reviewing materials for gendered language, and integrating gender-neutral language into classroom activities, teachers can help students develop a more inclusive understanding of language and prepare them for interacting in international environments.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Gender Issues, Sex Stereotypes, Language Attitudes, Language Role, Language Variation, Sex Fairness, Language Usage, Sex Role, Class Activities, Social Change, Teacher Role, Inclusion, English Language Learners, Language Teachers
US Department of State. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. e-mail: etforum@state.gov; Web site: https://americanenglish.state.gov/forum
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada; New Zealand; Australia; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A