What is the difference between inclusive and exclusive language?
Inclusive and exclusive language is when somebody includes or excludes somebody else through the words that they use. The word "inclusive" means to include somebody else, and this is exactly what inclusive language is. It is when you say positive things to someone so that they feel valued and accepted, whether in a group or society. However exclusive language is the complete opposite. It involves somebody speaking words that "exclude" someone and makes them feel rejected, not valued, and outcast from a group or society. Using exclusive language can discriminate against people and make them feel inferior, especially if they are different because of their race, religion, gender, education or if they have a disability.
What are some examples of inclusive and exclusive language?
Some examples of exclusive language would be if you and your friend just got out of an exam and you said "that exam just raped me". But what if your friend heard you and was a survivor of sexual assault? I am sure you would not say that and be more sensitive and understanding. Another example of exclusive language would be if you said "that is so retarded" and the person has a disability or knows someone with a disability. Or you could use the word "Asian" which is exclusive because Asia consists of many different countries and it is wrong to stereotype people into one category. However inclusive language can build others up by complementing them. You can say things like "I want you in my team" or "You're such a genius", if they got 50/50 in a test, instead of saying "You are such a no life nerd who studies all day". You can immediately tell the difference in both languages by the way they make you feel. Inclusive language respects the person being spoken to, while exclusive language hurts the person and makes them feel rejected.
How can inclusive and exclusive language affect teenagers and their sense of self?
Inclusive and exclusive language can affect teenagers and their self esteem in many different ways. There is a saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". This is wrong because the words we say can affect how someone feels about themselves. Although words can affect us at any age they can really have an impact around the age of adolescence. The stage of adolescence is a hard time because you start to find where you fit in and where you do not fit in. In some groups of people you may belong or be looked upon as an outcast. This all depends on your appearance on the outside or the way you are on the inside. Some groups can be racist. Say for example there is a group of Chinese people and you are a normal Australian trying to join the group. Instead of inviting you in they might tease you and make you feel a loner or exclude you by speaking in their own language. There can also be a "cool" group that may go into the toilets and take drugs or smoke or do the wrong things to be cool. They may use exclusive language only with people they don't want to be in their group. There can even be a smart group and when you fall behind in your homework or fail a test they might make fun of you resulting in feelings of exclusion and rejection. These examples of exclusive language have a bad effect on a person's sense of self as they feel rejected, and they may lose confidence and have low self-esteem. In later life their social skills may not even be very developed and they may find social life scary and choose to remain isolated because they feel they will be rejected by others.
However hopefully there will be a group of people who are great to hang around with because they like to do the same things as you, and accept you by using language that makes belong. This can result in inclusion where you feel accepted instead of a feeling like a loner. Using inclusive and supportive words will affect a person's self esteem in positive ways. It will make them feel good about themselves. Inclusive language builds bridges between people and helps friendships. When you include others with your words you help yourself and others feel good about themselves.
Below is a video where someone talks about how they used exclusive language towards someone. They came to realise how important it is to say the right thing so that they don't hurt people's feelings.
Inclusive and exclusive language is when somebody includes or excludes somebody else through the words that they use. The word "inclusive" means to include somebody else, and this is exactly what inclusive language is. It is when you say positive things to someone so that they feel valued and accepted, whether in a group or society. However exclusive language is the complete opposite. It involves somebody speaking words that "exclude" someone and makes them feel rejected, not valued, and outcast from a group or society. Using exclusive language can discriminate against people and make them feel inferior, especially if they are different because of their race, religion, gender, education or if they have a disability.
What are some examples of inclusive and exclusive language?
Some examples of exclusive language would be if you and your friend just got out of an exam and you said "that exam just raped me". But what if your friend heard you and was a survivor of sexual assault? I am sure you would not say that and be more sensitive and understanding. Another example of exclusive language would be if you said "that is so retarded" and the person has a disability or knows someone with a disability. Or you could use the word "Asian" which is exclusive because Asia consists of many different countries and it is wrong to stereotype people into one category. However inclusive language can build others up by complementing them. You can say things like "I want you in my team" or "You're such a genius", if they got 50/50 in a test, instead of saying "You are such a no life nerd who studies all day". You can immediately tell the difference in both languages by the way they make you feel. Inclusive language respects the person being spoken to, while exclusive language hurts the person and makes them feel rejected.
How can inclusive and exclusive language affect teenagers and their sense of self?
Inclusive and exclusive language can affect teenagers and their self esteem in many different ways. There is a saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". This is wrong because the words we say can affect how someone feels about themselves. Although words can affect us at any age they can really have an impact around the age of adolescence. The stage of adolescence is a hard time because you start to find where you fit in and where you do not fit in. In some groups of people you may belong or be looked upon as an outcast. This all depends on your appearance on the outside or the way you are on the inside. Some groups can be racist. Say for example there is a group of Chinese people and you are a normal Australian trying to join the group. Instead of inviting you in they might tease you and make you feel a loner or exclude you by speaking in their own language. There can also be a "cool" group that may go into the toilets and take drugs or smoke or do the wrong things to be cool. They may use exclusive language only with people they don't want to be in their group. There can even be a smart group and when you fall behind in your homework or fail a test they might make fun of you resulting in feelings of exclusion and rejection. These examples of exclusive language have a bad effect on a person's sense of self as they feel rejected, and they may lose confidence and have low self-esteem. In later life their social skills may not even be very developed and they may find social life scary and choose to remain isolated because they feel they will be rejected by others.
However hopefully there will be a group of people who are great to hang around with because they like to do the same things as you, and accept you by using language that makes belong. This can result in inclusion where you feel accepted instead of a feeling like a loner. Using inclusive and supportive words will affect a person's self esteem in positive ways. It will make them feel good about themselves. Inclusive language builds bridges between people and helps friendships. When you include others with your words you help yourself and others feel good about themselves.
Below is a video where someone talks about how they used exclusive language towards someone. They came to realise how important it is to say the right thing so that they don't hurt people's feelings.