Communicate in an inclusive way: what is inclusive communication

When we talk about inclusive communication based on equality, we mean sharing accurate information with respect and empathy. It means using language to celebrate human diversity, to shed light on human rights, and honour the planet.

Inclusive communication:
What do we mean?

It promotes social transformations because it invites us to question how we use words, images, and other communication tools to give the world meaning.
It allows us to recognize when we are communicating from a place of privilege and rethink the way we represent the planet and others. It also emphasizes how we narrate the stories of those who have been historically discriminated.
It is based on a rights approach because it transmits ideas that value human diversity and it uses language that recognizes people’s rights.
It is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because it uses language to support the shared and universal commitment represented in the 2030 Agenda. This agenda proposes the Sustainable Development Goals. Inclusive communication is directly part of the following:

Inclusive communication also gathers the perspectives of people, especially those who have been historically marginalized. In other words, it highlights their stories, and gives an account of their assertions and contributions. This falls in line with the SDG principle of not leaving anyone behind.
It brings people together because it puts empathy into practice: communicating while standing in the other’s shoes.

Inclusive communication:
How does it work?

Inclusive communication has key allies: non-sexist language, clear language, and accessibility criteria. These tools allow us to represent the diversity of humanity and they enable messages to reach a wide audience. They make information easier to understand and use.

Non-sexist language

These are linguistic resources that allow us to create messages without discriminating on the basis of sex or gender, and they avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes. There are different alternatives, both normative and disruptive, to use inclusion-based language.

Clear language

This means ensuring that the wording, structure, and design of our messages are as transparent as possible. That way, the reader finds what they need, understands what they find, and can use that information.

Accessibility criteria

This refers to using resources that eliminate or reduce obstacles or barriers in accessing information. Ultimately, the goal is for people with disabilities to access information in text, images, audios, and videos on equal terms. In any case, another advantage of considering accessibility criteria in communication is that messages reach a wide audience easily, not just people with disabilities. For example, readers whose first language is not the one used in a specific text.

Of course, there are different levels of accessibility, and ensuring complete accessibility is complex. However, it is important to use whatever reasonable accommodations that are available to facilitate access to information.

Inclusive communication:
What are the myths about it?

Now that we know what inclusive communication is, it is important to understand what it is not. Below we include a few myths regarding this concept:

Is it a type of dictatorship of political correctness? No. Inclusive communication is an invitation to question and transform messages that perpetuate discrimination. It offers suggestions and recommendations regarding language, but it does not intend to impose them, nor does it seek to make them ultimate or unquestionable truths. It does not judge or censure, rather it understands that language belongs to the speaker. This means that each person decides how to interpret and name the world and people. In essence, it’s an invitation, not a threat.
Does it distort language? No. Inclusive communication uses the available normative resources to transmit messages based on equality. Yet, it also recognizes that this may not be enough for many people, which is why it creates disruptive resources. For example, the use of ‘x’ to go beyond the gender binary. Think of Mx, instead of Mr or Mrs in the use of titles.

Inclusive communication does not ignore disruptive resources. Instead, it observes them, looks to understand them and explain what they mean and why they’re used. In the end, the decision to use them (or not) is up to each person.
Does this make texts boring and never-ending? No. Writing concise and easily understandable texts is possible using inclusive communication. The key is to have these three ingredients: creativity to look for alternatives; curiosity to learn to transmit messages in unusual ways; and modesty to question and change our perspective.
Does this mean the end of humour? No. Humour is possible without resorting to prejudice and discrimination.

How can modii help?

MODII created ‘Explore your empathy! Everything you wanted to know about inclusive communication.’ This is a practical guide written in Spanish to transmit messages in an inclusive way. It consists of nine chapters that correspond to the following topics: