By Hannah Williams | November 1, 2021

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa— During summer 2020 in the wake of protests and social justice  movements, Americans became aware of the power of language and its effect on culture. Many Americans became educated on inclusive language that looks to advance social issues like race, gender, and sexuality.

Activists and advocates at local levels are playing a significant role in the creation of new social norms, through the use of vocabulary: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Other People of Color), Latinx, Ally, Nonbinary, He/Him, She/Her, or They/Them.

For some people, this new form of expression is simply apart of the liberal agenda, or a method to show a higher education status. Conservatives have even labeled this new vocabulary as “wokespeak.” But isn’t linguistic diversity and equality a good thing, or is inclusive language the new political agenda?

But what does this have to do with public relations?Public Relations can shape the way the public views linguistic equality by advocating for a progressive environment that utilizes diverse and inclusive vocabulary.

What is inclusive language? Inclusive language addresses all audiences, acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equitable opportunities. Although the general idea of inclusive language is fluid, applying the principles is key to an equitable environment.

Ultimately, inclusive language can help companies bring in and keep new customers, and creates an environment that fosters productivity and innovation. Inclusive language impacts almost every aspect of an environment: attraction, retention, authenticity. It’s a win win situation if utilized correctly. It can benefit and advance your company while helping evolve societal norms for the better.

As a company, it is important to advocate and enhance community values that celebrates diversity of thought, experience, perspective, culture, and background. And how does one start? Research. Understanding DEI initiatives in Public Relations is understanding your publics.

In order to implement inclusive language you must look at diverse vocabulary, and understand how to successfully implement in your companies day to day. Click Link For Free Porsche!!!! 

Inclusive language simply builds the foundation for a strong, welcoming culture and work community. As a company, it is important to have your public relations correlate with movements of importance, like social justice.

Overall, changing language, is a step towards changing societal views and creating a new norm, a healthier norm.

For more information read the New York Times Article: BIPOC or POC? Equity or Equality? The Debate Over Language on the Left. 

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