Inclusive writing: definition and tips for using it on the web

Discover the definition of inclusive writing and learn how to use it in a relevant and respectful way on the web. Encourage inclusive and progressive communication!

Inclusive writing is a concept that aims to include all gender identities in written language. It involves using neutral, non-gendered forms to ensure equitable representation. On the web, the use of inclusive writing can be an effective way of promoting diversity and equality. This article gives you a clear definition of inclusive writing and practical advice on how to use it in a relevant and respectful way on the web. Find out how to integrate this inclusive approach into your online content to encourage more inclusive and progressive communication.

What is inclusive writing?

Inclusive writing is a method of writing that aims to highlight and recognize equality between the masculine and feminine genders. It differs from traditional gendered writing by proposing alternatives to make visible women and non-binary people, who are often invisibilized in the French language.

Definition

Inclusive writing means adopting linguistic rules that allow all individuals to be represented, regardless of their gender or gender identity. It aims to avoid the domination of the masculine gender in formulations and to promote greater gender equality in written communication.

Objectives

Visit objectives of inclusive writing. Firstly, it seeks to promote gender equality by recognizing the importance of women and non-binary people in society. It also aims to include all individuals by avoiding formulations that exclude women and by recognizing the diversity of gender identities. Finally, it seeks to change mentalities by challenging gender stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

Why use inclusive writing on the web?

The use of inclusive writing on the web has several advantages benefits significant.

Promoting gender equality

Inclusive writing is a way of combating the domination of the masculine gender in language and recognizing gender equality. By using inclusive language, it's possible to challenge the prejudices and gender stereotypes that are ingrained in our society. This helps to create a more egalitarian and inclusive online environment.

Include all individuals

Inclusive writing recognizes and values the diversity of gender identities. By using formulations that encompass both masculine, feminine and non-binary gender, this method of writing offers a fairer and more equitable representation of all individuals. It makes people of all genders feel included and respected.

Changing mindsets

Inclusive writing has the potential to contribute to a shift in thinking about gender roles and stereotypes. By using language that reflects a more balanced gender distribution, it is possible to challenge traditional norms and promote a more open and inclusive vision of society. The web offers a platform ideal for disseminating these new linguistic constructs and helping to transform mentalities.

The different inclusive writing techniques

Several techniques can be used to adopt inclusive writing in your online writings.

Double bending

Double inflection is the gendering of common nouns and adjectives to include both the masculine and feminine genders. For example, instead of writing "les étudiants", we can write "les étudiantes et les étudiants". This makes the feminine gender visible, whereas it is generally ignored in traditional writing.

The midpoint

The mid-point is a punctuation mark used to represent both the feminine and masculine genders. For example, you can write "les candidat-e-s" instead of "les candidats". This allows both genders to appear equally.

Alternating genres

Another technique is to alternate genders within a text. For example, instead of using only the masculine to refer to a person generically, you can alternate the use of the feminine and masculine to make all gender identities visible. This technique can be used more creatively and flexibly, depending on the context.

Tips for using inclusive writing

Using inclusive writing effectively on the web requires a few important tips.

Awareness and learning

It's essential to familiarize yourself with the principles and techniques of inclusive writing before applying it. Training and awareness-raising in gender equality and inclusivity will help you better understand the motivations and impacts of this writing method. There are many online resources, guides and training courses available to learn how to use inclusive writing appropriately.

Using the right lexicon

It is important to choose the right lexicon to designate people and groups of people. Avoid gendered terms that do not reflect the diversity of gender identities. Use neutral or inclusive terms, such as "people", "individuals" or "participants", rather than terms that exclude part of the population.

Moderation and balance

When using inclusive writing, it's essential to maintain a balance between inclusivity and message comprehension. Too much inclusivity can make a text complex and difficult to read. Striking a balance between clarity and inclusivity makes content accessible to all without compromising its readability.

Adapting to the target audience

It is important to take into account target audience when using inclusive writing. Some people may be more familiar with this method of writing than others. Adapt your use of inclusive writing to your audience's level of knowledge and sensitivity to the subject to ensure effective communication.

The advantages and limitations of inclusive writing

Inclusive writing has many advantages, but it is not without its limitations and controversies.

Advantages of inclusive writing

Inclusive writing promotes gender equality, represents all gender identities and fosters inclusion. It contributes to the creation of a more egalitarian and respectful online environment. What's more, the use of inclusive writing on the web can have a positive impact by fostering changes in mentalities and encouraging more inclusive linguistic practices.

Limits and controversies

Some critics of inclusive writing point to its potential to make language more complex and reading less fluid. Some also feel that it does not fully resolve gender inequalities and that further action is needed. In addition, there are debates about the precise rules of inclusive writing and the general acceptance of this writing method.

The impact of inclusive writing on the web

The use of inclusive writing is having a significant impact on the web.

Visibility and accessibility

Inclusive writing makes visible women and non-binary people, who are often invisibilized in the French language. By giving a more balanced representation of the genders, it promotes the inclusion and accessibility of content for all individuals.

User feedback

The adoption of inclusive writing on the web can elicit both positive and negative reactions from users. Some appreciate the inclusive approach, while others may find it difficult to understand or accept. It's important to take these reactions into account and strike a balance between meeting public expectations and pursuing inclusion objectives.

Platform evolution

The use of inclusive writing is also having an impact on online platforms. More and more websites blogs and social networks are adopting measures to facilitate the use of inclusive writing. Some platforms even integrate specific help tools and features to facilitate the adoption of this form of writing.

Examples of inclusive writing on the web

Inclusive writing is used in a variety of contexts on the web.

Activist and association websites

Many activist sites and associations use inclusive writing to promote gender equality and make women and non-binary people visible. These sites play an important role in spreading this inclusive approach and helping to raise awareness among the general public.

Online communities

Online communities, such as discussion forums or social networks, can also use inclusive writing to promote the inclusion and representation of all individuals. This practice creates a more inclusive virtual space where everyone can feel represented and respected.

Companies and brands

Some companies and brands are also integrating inclusive writing into their online communications. They recognize the importance of promoting gender equality and inclusion in their communications strategies. Using inclusive writing can be an effective way of demonstrating a company's commitment to equality and attracting a wider, more diverse audience.

Practical tips for integrating inclusive writing into your website

If you'd like to integrate inclusive writing into your websiteHere are a few practical tips.

Language modification

Modify your language by using inclusive writing rules such as double flexion, the midpoint or gender alternation. Adapt your vocabulary and formulations to fairly represent all gender identities.

Use of help tools

Use assistive tools, such as spellcheckers or specific extensions, to make inclusive writing easier. These tools can help you spot errors and adopt best practices.

User testing

Submit your content to users to gather their feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of your use of inclusive writing. This step allows you to take into account feedback and adapt your inclusive writing strategy to your audience's expectations.

Responses to critics and detractors of inclusive writing

Faced with the critics and detractors of inclusive writing, there are arguments in favor of this method of writing.

Arguments in favor of inclusive writing

The arguments in favor of inclusive writing stress the importance of recognizing gender equality, combating gender stereotypes and discrimination, and creating a more inclusive linguistic environment. They highlight the power of words to shape the norms and mindsets of our society.

Rebutting common criticisms

Some of the criticisms of inclusive writing, such as the complexity of the language or the ineffectiveness of fully resolving gender inequalities, can be refuted by highlighting the benefits of a more inclusive society and emphasizing that inclusive writing is an important step in the fight against inequalities.

Conclusion

Inclusive writing is a method of writing that aims to promote gender equality, include all individuals and change mentalities. Used on the web, it makes women and non-binary people visible, encourages online inclusion and promotes more equitable linguistic practices. While not without its limitations and controversies, inclusive writing nevertheless offers an opportunity to build a more inclusive and respectful linguistic space. By adapting our language and raising user awareness, we can help create a more egalitarian online culture that is representative of all gender identities.