Gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language
![Gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language](/staffnet/en/employment-and-work/working-environment/diversity/services-and-counselling/linguistic-equality/_jcr_content/par/fullwidthimage/image.imageformat.1286.238742791.jpg)
Language (as well as visual language) is the main medium for communication. It influences perception and interpretation of reality, which ultimately result in attitudes and behaviour. Language conveys attitudes, values and meanings - it is not neutral and changes with social developments. Therefore, language and its transfer into communication processes can also be an expression of respect and recognition.
Gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language seeks to address and represent all persons equally, regardless of their gender identity, background, age, etc. It can be gender stereotypical, but it is not neutral. It can counteract gender stereotypical images as well as discrimination and disadvantages and help overcome norms and role thinking. Gender-sensitive and discrimination-free language is neither cumbersome nor unnecessarily long, if the right linguistic strategies are pursued. It does require the willingness to let go of some existing formulation habits and to deal with language consciously and creatively. There is no one right solution for gender-conscious language. Rather, language is constantly living and evolving, and so is its use.
ETH Zurich sees linguistic equality and inclusion as a matter of course. We thus accept the responsibility to present ourselves internally and externally in a contemporary and pioneering manner. ETH Diversity is currently preparing a comprehensive guide for inclusive communication. Gendersenstive and non-discriminatory language will be a part of the guidelines. However, at the moment ETH Zurich does not prescribe any standardised language rules that are binding for all university employees.
A compilation of handouts, guidelines and helpful tips can be found below.
Good reasons for gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language at the university
- Promoting diversity - respect through language.
- More clarity - less misunderstanding.
- Language creates reality and reality must be represented by language - gender-sensitive language contributes to more visibility and thus to more equal opportunities.
- As educational institutions, universities have a social role model function and responsibility - gender-sensitive language contributes to discrimination-free working and study conditions.
- Social diversity is also reflected in the field of science – all members of the university community should play an active role in representing this diversity in terms of their everyday language as well as in research and teaching.
Recommendations for ETH Zurich
DownloadEnglish style guide (PDF, 507 KB) by the department of Corporate Communications
Materials and support services on accessible teaching
Information and tools from the recruiting team on inclusive language in job advertisements
external pageLeitfaden für Hochschulen zum inklusiven Umgang mit allen Geschlechtern, PolyUniQue (formaly queer*z, inklusive student association of the universities in Zurich)
external pageGeschlechtergerecht in Text und Bild and external pageStellenausschreibungen: Empfehlungen für einen geschlechtergerechten Sprachgebrauch, University of Zurich
external pageSprache & Bild - Ein Leitfaden zur Gleichbehandlung aller Geschlechter, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
external pageLeitfaden zum geschlechtergerechten Formulieren, Federal Chancellery (2023)
external pageGeschickt gendern - Das Genderwörterbuch - The first comprehensive dictionary with approx. 1,800 alternative terms, collection of common spellings, tips+tricks, blog, links.
external pageGender app – The gender app is a democratic dictionary that helps in the search for eloquent and gendersensitive phrases.
external pageGender Glossar - The Gender Glossary is a transdisciplinary online reference work containing academic contributions on terms, topics, persons and institutions in the field of gender studies.
external pageLangage inclusif (FR), Universität Bern
external pageNon-Sexist Language Guide for Swiss Universities Communicating in English (EN), Université de Neuchâtel
external pageCommunication inclusive (FR), Université de Lausanne
external pageGuide pratique (FR/EN), EPFL
external pageGuidelines for gender-inclusive language in English (EN), United Nations
external pageSprachlicher Umgang mit Inklusion, Fernsehbeitrag SRF (only in German)
external page"Yes I can! Effects of gender fair job descriptions on children’s perceptions of job status, job difficulty, and vocational self-efficacy", a study by the Freie Universität Berlin on the impact of gender-sensitive language
Documentation
ETH Diversity has already held various events on the topic of "inclusive language", including a view with linguist Prof Anatol Stefanowitsch. You can find the presentations here:
- protected page lock Warum wir inklusive Sprache brauchen (2023) (PDF, 749 KB)
- protected page lock Why we need inclusive language (2023) (PDF, 747 KB)
- protected page lock Warum wir gendergerechte Sprache brauchen (2021) (PDF, 452 KB)
- protected page lock Why German needs linguistic gender mainstreaming (2021) (PDF, 660 KB)
In addition, we have made the recordings of the two inputs given by Prof Anatol Stefanowitsch at the ETH Diversity Lunch & Learn available here:
Recording of Lunch & Learn "Warum wir inklusive Sprache brauchen" (German)
Recording of Lunch & Learn "Why we need inclusive language" (English)
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