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Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 1 of 7 http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm NOTE: These guidelines were last revised in January 2000. The UNH President's Commissions, in collaboration with other university offices and organizations, are currently developing a Bias-Free Language Guide. For more information about this guide, please contact the Commission office. Open Letter to the UNH Community Introduction About these Guidelines UNH Guidelines for the Use of Nonsexist Language A Final Word Recommended Bibliography ----------------------- An Open Letter to the UNH Community from Dr. Joan Leitzel, President of the University of New Hampshire Dear Colleagues, The University of New Hampshire, as an equal opportunity education institution, is committed to both academic freedom and the fair treatment of all individuals. Part of this commitment is the creation of an environment that avoids the reinforcement of demeaning attitudes and stereotypes about sex roles. Consequently, in 1984, the Academic Senate, the Faculty Caucus, and both the Operating and PAT Staff Councils adopted a nonsexist language policy. Language may convey meanings that are different for the listener than the speaker. Where suitable alternatives exist to gender-specific words, I believe it is appropriate to use them. This is especially true at UNH since we have a responsibility of not only providing educational opportunities for our students but also helping them form personal values. The UNH policy does not call for institutional monitoring or sanctions. It asks for each of us to make a personal commitment to use bias-free language. I urge each of you to be sensitive to the impact of language so that the University of New Hampshire provides positive educational experiences for all. Sincerely, Joan R. Leitzel, President University of New Hampshire Top INTRODUCTION On July 13, 1984, the University of New Hampshire issued the following bylaw entitled "Policy on Nonsexist Language" (University System Policy Manual III-B-8.1) which reads: The University of New Hampshire, as an equal opportunity educational institution, is committed to both academic freedom and the fair treatment of all individuals. It therefore discourages the use of language and illustrations that reinforce inappropriate and demeaning attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about sex roles. Accordingly, all official University communications, whether delivered orally or in writing, shall be free of sexist language. Compliance with this policy shall be the responsibility of appropriate supervisory personnel. Concerns or questions regarding the implementation of this policy can be directed to the Affirmative Action Office. Copies of this policy and suggested guidelines for the use of nonsexist language will be available from the Affirmative 6/23/2005 4:42 PM Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 2 of 7 http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm Action Office and the UNH Commission on the Status of Women. These guidelines were prepared to assist members of the UNH community who may be unfamiliar with the use of nonsexist language. These Guidelines represent a revision of the 1985 and 1996 handbooks and are adapted from several references, including the APA "Guidelines to Reduce Bias in Language" (1994) and the AUP Guidelines for Bias-Free Writing (1995). Other handbooks are also available. Most major publishing houses and many professional organizations have developed guidelines on the use of bias-free language. A partial listing of these handbooks appears in the bibliography at the end of this publication. Top ABOUT THESE GUIDELINES Language that reinforces sexism can arise from imprecise word choices that may be interpreted as biased, discriminatory, or demeaning even if they are not intended to be. The following guidelines are offered to help in recognizing and changing word choices that may be inaccurate, misleading, or discriminatory. Sexual bias in language may be classified into two categories that are conceptually different: concerns of designation and concerns of evaluation. Designation In the case of sexism, long-established cultural practice can exert a powerful, insidious influence over even the most conscientious person. Care should be used to ensure accuracy, clarity, and freedom from bias. Nouns, pronouns, and adjectives that designate persons can be chosen to eliminate, or at least minimize, the possibility of ambiguity in sex identity or sex role. In the following examples, concerns of designation are divided into two subcategories: ambiguity of referent, in which it is unclear whether the speaker or author means one or both sexes, and stereotyping, in which the language conveys unsupported or biased connotations about sex roles and identity. Evaluation Non-sexist language is free of implied or irrelevant evaluation of the sexes. Difficulties may derive from the habitual use of cliches, or familiar expressions, such as "man and wife." The use of "man" and "wife" together implies differences in the freedom and activities of each, and evaluation of roles can occur. As listed among the examples that follow, "husband and wife" are parallel, "man and wife" are not. Concerns of evaluation, like concerns of designation, are divided into ambiguity of referent and stereotyping. Top UNH Guidelines for the Use of Nonsexist Language "MAN" as False Generic Examples of common usage Consider meaning. An alternative may be better. Comment or revision 1. Man, like other mammals, breastfeeds his young. Humans, like other mammals, breastfeed their young. Changed to plural 2. Man's search for knowledge has led him into ways of learning that require examination. The search for knowledge has led us into ways of learning that require examination. Rephrased. Rewritten in two sentences. People have continually sought knowledge. The search has led them into ways of learning that... 3. The use of experiments in psychology presupposes the mechanistic nature of man. The use of experiments in psychology presupposes the mechanistic nature of the human being. man, mankind People, humanity, human beings, humankind, men and Noun substituted The term MAN denotes an adult male human being and no longer functions generically. For these examples, 6/23/2005 4:42 PM Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 3 of 7 man's achievements women, we the average man human achievements, achievements of the human species numerous true generic alternatives that may be substituted are available. to staff a project, hire personnel, employ staff If you choose to use a male generic, or if a text you are citing uses a male generic, it is recommended that you note your awareness/concerns. workforce, personnel, workers Collective and plural nouns substituted the search for knowledge Inclusive phrase substituted to man a project the average person, people in general manpower man's search for knowledge http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm 4. chairman (the head of Use chairperson or chair. an academic department or organization) chairperson, chair, chairman (presiding moderator, discussion officer of a committee or leader meeting) Although "chairman" is the "official term" in parliamentary usage, alternatives are acceptable in most settings. 5. Only freshmen are eligible for tutorial assistance. "First-year students" is an appropriate substitute. Only first-year students are eligible for tutorial assistance. Generic "HE" as Referent Examples of common usage Consider meaning. An alternative may be better. 6. The client is usually the best judge of the value of his counseling. The client is usually the best judge of the value of counseling. Comment or revision Avoided use of the personal pronoun Clients are usually the Changed to plural best judges of the value of the counseling they Rephrased receive. The best judge of the value of counseling is usually the client. 7. Subjects were 16 girls and 16 boys. Each child was to place a car on his board so that two cars and boards looked alike. Each child was to place a car on his or her board so that two cars looked alike...Each child was to place a car on his/her board. The children were to place cars on their individual boards... Changed his to his/her or their; however, use sparingly to avoid monotonous repetition. Her/his (her or his) may also be used, but it is cumbersome. Keep pronoun order consistent to avoid ambiguity. Changed to plural Alternate gendered pronouns, keeping in mind possible Does the candidate have Does the candidate have stereotyping that can strong references? Does strong references? Does occur. he have relevant he have relevant experience? Can she experience? Can he operate a forklift? Can operate a forklift? Can he...? he...? 8. Questions to consider Questions to consider in in selecting candidates: selecting candidates: 6/23/2005 4:42 PM Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 4 of 7 http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm Gendered Stereotyping Examples of common usage Consider meaning. An alternative may be better. 9. the professor...he the professors...they the professor...she (or...he) Comment or revision Be specific as to gender (if only one gender is implied) or change to plural if discussing both women and men. the secretary...she the secretaries...they the secretary...he (or...she) the supervisor...he the supervisors...they the nurse...she the supervisor...she (or...he) the nurses...they the nurse he (or...she) 10. woman doctor, male doctor, nurse, nurse, lawyer, teacher, lady lawyer, male poet, secretary teacher, female poet, male secretary 11. foreman, policeman, supervisor, police officer, stewardess, housewife, flight attendant, mailman homemaker, Gender identification was removed. Specify gender only if relevant and/or necessary for discussion, i.e., "13 female doctors and 22 male doctors." Noun substituted. Directly specify gender only if necessary and/or relevant to the discussion. postal worker/mail carrier 12. ambitious men and aggressive women ambitious women and men or ambitious people; aggressive men and women or aggressive people cautious women and timid men; cautious men cautious men and and timid women women or cautious people; timid women and men or timid people caring women and ambivalent men caring women and men or caring people; ambivalent men and women or ambivalent outspoken men and people abrasive women Some adjectives, depending on whether the person is describing a woman or a man, connote bias. These examples illustrate some common usages that may not always convey exact meaning, especially when paired as in column one. outspoken men and women or outspoken people; abrasive women and men or abrasive people 6/23/2005 4:42 PM Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 5 of 7 13. The boys chose typically male toys. The boys chose (specify)... The student's behavior was typically female. The students behaved in the following way: (specify)... http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm Being specific reduces the possibility of stereotypical bias. He acts like an old woman in the way he . . He did the following: . (specify)... 14. Thank the girls in the office for typing the report. Thank the secretaries in the office for typing the reports. Noun substituted 15. coed female student Descriptive word and noun substituted 16. women's lib, women's libber women's movement, feminist, supporter of the women's movement Noun substituted 17. men and women, sons and daughters, boys and girls, husbands and wives women and men, Vary the order to promote inclusivity. daughters and sons, boys and girls, husbands and wives 18. men and girls men and women, the men and their wives men and women, the women and their husbands women and men Use "equal" terms in order to denote gender equality. 19. Scientists are often separated from their wives and children when their research requires them to travel. Scientists are often separated from their spouses and children...families... Alternate wording acknowledges that women as well as men are scientists. 20. He lets his wife teach part-time. She teaches part-time. The author of this example intended to communicate the working status of the woman but inadvertently revealed a stereotype about wife-husband relationships. 21. mothering, fathering parenting, nurturing (or specify exact behavior) A noun is substituted. Unless gender is specifically implied, avoid gendering a non-gendered activity. 22. I would like to thank I would like to thank my wife for her patient (name) for (specify). support and the many cups of coffee. The author of this example intended to express thanks but inadvertently revealed a stereotype about women's contributions to their husbands' research. 23. The University acknowledges the assistance of Mrs. John Smith. Use given names in acknowledgments. Use the appropriate form: Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss according to the preference of the addressee or relevance of marital status. Keep in mind that partners may not have the same last name. The University acknowledges the assistance of Doris Smith. The University acknowledges the assistance of Doris Evans (Her last name differs from her partner's.) 6/23/2005 4:42 PM Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 6 of 7 24. Dear Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Dear John and Doris Smith Dear Mr. and Ms. Smith http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm The same use of appropriate form applies in letters and other written correspondence. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith 25. Dear Mrs. John Smith Dear Mrs. Doris Smith (or Ms.) Whenever possible, especially with ongoing correspondence, check Dear Ms. Doris Evans (if with the addressee for wife and husband have his/her name preference. different last names) Top A FINAL WORD When using this handbook, keep in mind that attempting to introduce nonsexist language at the cost of awkwardness, obscurity, or euphemism does not improve communication. The use of nonsexist language is not simply a matter of avoiding specific words or phrases, and these guidelines are not prescriptions for all possible uses of nonsexist language. Authors and speakers should indicate specific gender only in situations in which a single gender is being discussed. Although quotations should not be altered, writers and speakers should acknowledge the first instance of gender bias to alert an audience. It is important, however, that authors and speakers not hide gender identity when knowledge of gender may be important to the reader or listener. Any endeavor to change our language is a formidable task at best. Some aspects of our language considered sexist are firmly embedded in our culture and will only change with education and self-reflection. On the other hand, with some rephrasing and careful attention to meaning, even the generic "he" can be avoided most of the time. Again, the purpose of these guidelines is to generate discussion and to facilitate and promote accurate use of language. Top RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY American Psychological Association, "Guidelines to Reduce Bias in Language." Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 4th ed. Washington: APA, 1994, 46-60. Frank, Francine Wattman, and Paula A. Treichler, with others. Language, Gender, and Professional Writing: Theoretical Approaches and Guidelines for Nonsexist Usage. New York: MLA, 1989. Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, New York: MLA, 1995. International Association of Business Communication. Without Bias: A Guidebook for Nondiscriminatory Communication. Ed. J.E. Pickens, P.W. Rao, and L.C. Roberts. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, 1982. Maggio, Rosalie. The Nonsexist Word Finder: A Dictionary of Gender Free Usage. 1987. Boston: Beacon Press, 1989. Miller, Casey and Kate Swift. The Handbook of Nonsexist Writing. 2nd ed. New York: Harper-Collins Publishing, 1988. Schwartz, Marilyn and the Task Force of the Association of American University Presses. Guidelines for Bias-Free Writing. Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1995. Sorrels, Bobbye D. The Nonsexist Communicator: Solving the Problems of Gender and Awkwardness in Modern English. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1983. Warren, Virginia L. "Guidelines for the Nonsexist Use of Language." American Philosophical Association Proceedings , 59 (1986): 471-84. Top If thought corrupts language, language also can corrupt thought. 6/23/2005 4:42 PM Nonsexist Language Guidelines :: President's Commission on the Status ... 7 of 7 http://www.unh.edu/womens-commission/nonsexist.htm - George Orwell The language is perpetually in flux: it is a living stream, shifting, changing, receiving new strength from a thousand tributaries, losing old forms in the backwaters of time. - E.B. White For me, words are a form of action, capable of influencing change. - Ingrid Bengis The difference between the right word and the almost right word is like the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. - Mark Twain Language exerts power, like a moon on the tides. - Rita Mae Brown In reality, all communication that debilitates females also debilitates males, for if any system diminishes a part of the species, it diminishes all of it. - Bobbye D. Sorrels Revision Editors: Anne Righton Malone and Tracy Lonergan, 1996. Rebekah Brooks, Sylvia Foster, and Julie Simpson, 2000. Text copies of these Guidelines are available by request at the commission office. University of New Hampshire President's Commission on the Status of Women Batcheller House, Rosemary Lane, Durham, NH 03824 603-862-1058 ~ [email protected] 6/23/2005 4:42 PM