What are some of the best practices for writing inclusive and respectful technical language?

1 Avoid biased and exclusive terms

One of the first steps to writing inclusive and respectful technical language is to avoid terms that may imply or reinforce bias, stereotypes, or discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other identity factors. For example, instead of using gendered pronouns like he or she, use they or them, or use the person's name or role. Instead of using terms like native or foreign, use terms like primary or secondary. Instead of using terms like disabled or handicapped, use terms like people with disabilities or accessibility needs. Use inclusive and respectful terms that reflect how people identify themselves and respect their dignity and diversity.

3 Provide alternative and equivalent content

A third best practice for writing inclusive and respectful technical language is to provide alternative and equivalent content for different modes and formats of communication, especially for those who may have visual, auditory, or motor impairments. Alternative and equivalent content means providing text alternatives for images, audio, and video, such as captions, transcripts, or descriptions. It also means providing options for adjusting the size, color, contrast, and layout of the text and the interface. Providing alternative and equivalent content can help you make your content more accessible, adaptable, and responsive to different needs and preferences.

4 Use inclusive and respectful examples and scenarios

A fourth best practice for writing inclusive and respectful technical language is to use inclusive and respectful examples and scenarios that can illustrate your points, demonstrate your solutions, or engage your readers. Inclusive and respectful examples and scenarios mean using diverse and realistic names, characters, situations, and contexts that reflect the diversity of your audience and avoid stereotypes, assumptions, or generalizations. They also mean using examples and scenarios that are relevant, meaningful, and respectful to your audience and their goals, needs, and interests. Using inclusive and respectful examples and scenarios can help you make your content more relatable, persuasive, and memorable.

5 Seek feedback and revise accordingly

A fifth best practice for writing inclusive and respectful technical language is to seek feedback and revise accordingly. Seeking feedback means asking for input from your colleagues, peers, experts, or users who can offer different perspectives, insights, and suggestions on how to improve your content. Revising accordingly means making changes based on the feedback you receive, such as correcting errors, clarifying points, adding details, or removing barriers. Seeking feedback and revising accordingly can help you make your content more accurate, complete, and effective.

6 Follow relevant guidelines and standards

A sixth best practice for writing inclusive and respectful technical language is to follow relevant guidelines and standards that can help you ensure the quality, consistency, and compliance of your content. Relevant guidelines and standards may include style guides, accessibility guidelines, ethical codes, legal requirements, or industry best practices that can provide you with specific rules, recommendations, or principles for writing inclusive and respectful technical language. Following relevant guidelines and standards can help you make your content more professional, credible, and trustworthy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?