They say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but words can’t hurt you. That’s not always the case. Words have a way of resonating and sticking with those who read them, leaving undergraduates with a big job on their hands. When writing, especially academically, writers will need to take precautions any time they might use sensitive language. It will help them keep readers interested and open up the audience to anyone who wants more information on their topic. Plus, when introducing startup ideas for college students, you want the playing field wide open for success.
What Is Sensitive Language?
Not all topics are taken lightly. We are living in a world full of issues, and each person has their personal opinion.
Politically incorrect language is considered words that may cause offense or upset those who read them. This includes topics of race, gender, religion, and even age. Because of academic writing professionalism, writers are cautioned to take care when using specific language to avoid any potential backlash or misinterpretation of their true meaning. So, how can you use sensitive language in academic essay writing? We’ve got 5 sure ways and examples to keep you out of the deep end.
1. Make Sure It’s Gender-Inclusive
The current gender issues create difficulty for academic writers. English is a language with the beloved pronoun, which is meant to identify a person. These are words we all know and understand like he, she, it, they, them. Many people are fighting for the right to choose their own pronoun as a way to be represented correctly.
This is all great and good but, from a writing perspective, it could lead to issues. If you’re working on a topic this semester where you will need to use caution with gender roles, it’s recommended to do your research. Make sure that you understand how the person you are referencing identifies and use it throughout the text. Besides, if you’re referring to groups (ex. LGBTQ), make sure and address them properly. You want to avoid any slurs, slang, or offensive words unless your topic is about them specifically. Some ways to avoid issues are:
- Use the plural form of all nouns and pronouns
- All the students brought their own food,
- Avoid gendered pronouns altogether
- Each student brought their food.
- Use phrases like his or her
- Each student brought his or her own food.
- Make use of the indefinite pronoun
- Everyone brought their own food.
2. Use Correct and Accepted Terms When Referring to Race
While you may commonly hear one term for a group of people, it is not always the most politically correct. Many people prefer to be referred to by the term they choose and not the one that society has marked them with. This happens a lot in places like the United States, where much of the population is originally from other countries. Another issue that comes into play with the race card is the dates of accepted terms.
Just like we as a species have evolved, so has our language. There are a ton of outdated terms that may not be acceptable today. When searching for the right terms to refer to an ethnic group, a race, or even an individual’s ancestral background, be sure to do some research first.
3. Be Careful with Age
Thanks to advances in science, people are living longer than ever before. This makes the concept of aging a little different for people all over the world. These days, it seems like it is never too late to do anything. Because of the new take on aging, some people get offended when referred to as old or elderly. These words are generally associated with weakness and have been shunned by the wiser part of our population.
To fix this, it takes a bit of fixing and a little thinking as well. Try not to make ‘old’ or ‘elderly’ a part of the text and speak more specifically about the person or group of people you describe. For example:
- Retired persons
- Adults over the age of 65
- Senior citizens
The last one is not the best choice, as it has had some debate over the last few years but, with the other two, you’re usually safe from offending any of your readers.
4. Be Careful with Titles
In the English language, there is a change in title for women. As we get closer and closer to an equal society, these issues are addressed and become less common. However, you will still see different (and incorrectly used) titles) all over the place. Make sure that you refer to men as Mr. and women with their proper or preferred title. These are:
- Mrs. (married)
- Miss (Not Married)
- Ms. (Neutral)
It’s always best to go with the most general, in this case, just to make sure and avoid any misinterpretations in the long run.
5. Be Sensitive to Those with Illnesses and/or Diseases
When someone is diagnosed with a severe illness, they struggle to separate themselves from it. They are all too often classified along with their disease as if it makes them a whole different person. That is why terms that refer to specific illnesses (ex. Aids sufferer, mental patient, etc.) can be offensive. As an academic essay writer, you have to be careful when referring to illnesses and people that have them. Some ways you can incorporate a group with an illness or disease are:
- A person living with Aids
- A safe place for those who are mentally ill
- Homes for people with a disability
If you have doubts, ask your professor to determine if there is any other literature on the subject. You can find plenty of material on the subject of sensitive language on the web but be cautious of websites. If using a reddit writing service, double-check what your writer has written before turning it in. Only use carefully sourced and trusted resources to find what you’re looking for. In the end, the proper use of sensitive words and proper word choice will become a lifelong positive skill setting you apart from others and giving added quality to your writing style without making anyone feel left out.