Removing bias in language  top^

Appropriate Pronoun Usage

Provides suggestions of alternative approaches for ending the exclusion of women that results from the pervasive use of masculine pronouns.
Purdue OWL, linked 09/10
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/608/06/

Avoid Language Bias

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) provides specific suggestions for avoiding language that reinforces stereotypes or excludes certain groups of people.
IELTS Website, linked 09/10
http://www.aippg.com/ielts/downloads/Avoid%20Language%20Bias.htm

Avoiding Heterosexual Bias in Language

A summary of sources of heterosexual bias, with examples of specific problematic terms and alternatives.
American Psychological Association, linked 09/10
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/language.aspx

Do's and Don'ts of Inclusive Language

Excerpts that highlight a few areas where we still find exclusivity or a sense of hierarchy in the use of language that places one group of people above others, creating or perpetuating negative social stereotypes, with suggestions for avoiding derogatory language.
Media Task Force, Honolulu County Committee on the Status of Women (1998), linked 09/10
http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/inclusiv.htm

Examples of Gender-Sensitive Language

Specific examples of gender-biased terminology and bias-free alternatives, organized by occupational references, role references, group references, and other stereotypes.
Compiled by Service-Growth Consultants Inc. (May 2003), linked 09/10
http://www.servicegrowth.net/documents/Examples of Gender-Sensitive Language.net.pdf

Guidelines for Gender-Fair Use of Language

An excellent overview of the issues of making English gender-fair, with specific examples of problems and substitutes.
National Council of Teachers of English, linked 09/10
http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/genderfairuseoflang?source=gs

Guidelines for Non-Handicapping Language in APA Journals

A summary of language usage that can express negative and disparaging attitudes towards persons with disabilities. In addition to clarifying that the word "disability" should be used to refer to an attribute of a person and "handicap" to the source of limitations, specific examples are given of problematic terminology and acceptable alternatives.
Colby College website, linked 09/10
http://www.colby.edu/psychology/APA/Bias.pdf

Guidelines for Non-Sexist Use of Language

These guidelines are designed to foster a deeper appreciation of how easily bias slips into our thoughts and theories. Developed in 1986, these are still descriptive and useful examples of problems and modifications possible in our speech.
American Philosophical Association, linked 09/10
http://www.apaonline.org/publications/texts/nonsexist.aspx

Inclusive Language

An excellent overview of the various issues in making language inclusive, with specific examples.
University of Victoria, linked 09/10
http://communications.uvic.ca/publications/style/section-5.html

Writing with Non-Sexist Language

Brief excerpts from the classic reference on writing in a gender neutral manner.
From Miller & Swift, The Handbook of Nonsexist Writing, linked 09/10
http://www.colby.edu/writers.center/tips/nonsexist.html

Writing Without Bias

Guidelines to assist writers in avoiding biased language (gender bias and stereotypes, racial bias, age bias), including a list of gender-neutral terms.
WriteExpress website, Stacie Heaps, linked 09/10
http://www.writeexpress.com/bias.html

Role of language  top^

Gender Fair Language

Provides a summary of the issues, including references to research on the impact of restrictive language and examples of alternatives.
Jenny R. Redfern, The Writer's Center, linked 09/10
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/llc/writecenter/web/genderfair.html

Language and Unity

A brief article on the impact of language in shaping our reality.
Dorothy Riddle, Service-Growth Consultants Copyright 2008, linked 09/10
http://www.servicegrowth.net/documents/Language and Unity.net.pdf