A Must-see for Researchers! How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing

Highly influential research findings have several real-world implications that affect the public’s perception of individuals and communities to some extent. The way science is communicated shapes people’s behavior, interactions, and even related policies. As a result, in recent years there has been a growing recognition of the need to foster inclusive language within scholarly communication, which can help avoid bias or misunderstanding. 

Researchers, especially the younger generation, are becoming increasingly aware of the significance of using inclusive language in academic writing. This approach helps create a collaborative global academic landscape, while fostering respect for diverse perspectives. It is also conducive to the wide dissemination of papers and supports researchers in their long-term academic endeavors. 

This article will explain why and how to use inclusive language in your manuscript. Also, it will help researchers improve their ability to choose words with precision when writing by providing examples of appropriate inclusive terms. Let’s have a look! 

1. Referring to Persons with Disabilities¹

When referring to someone with a disability, it is important to focus on the person first, not highlight their condition. Avoid using the terms “disabled person” or “handicapped person.” Instead, use person-first language, such as “a person with disability,” “a person with hearing loss,” etc. 

Additionally, when referring to individuals without disabilities, avoid using terms such as “normal” or “typical.” Instead, use phrases like “individuals without disabilities” or “people without disabilities.” 

Example of inclusive language: Students with disabilities often encounter distinct challenges in academic settings. These can range from physical barriers like inaccessible buildings to difficulties accessing educational materials in suitable formats. In contrast, students without disabilities typically navigate the educational environment with fewer hindrances. 

2. Using Gendered Nouns

Gendered nouns such as “man” or words ending in “-man” can exclude certain groups, so it is best to avoid them². Fortunately, they can be easily substituted with neutral terms. For instance, instead of writing “man”, write “person” or “individual” and instead of writing “mankind,” write “humanity” or “human beings.” 

When discussing people’s occupational roles, using neutral language is essential. For example, instead of writing “policeman,” write “police officer,” and instead of writing “chairman,” write “chairperson.” 

Example of gendered noun use: The chairman oversees the company’s operations. 

Example of inclusive language: The chairperson oversees the company’s operations. 

3. Using Pronouns

When you know a person’s preferred pronoun, it is easy to incorporate it into writing. For example, most people use the pronouns he/him or she/her. However, using pronouns can become tricky in neutral or ambiguous contexts. In the past, it was common to use the generic he in these situations³. However, it is best to avoid this practice as it can be exclusionary. 

Here are some tips to avoid the generic he³: 

• Don’t only use he/his, add she/her

For example, do not write: An early career researcher needs mentors. He can learn the secrets to making an impact in academia with someone more experienced. 

Instead, write: An early career researcher needs mentors. He or she can learn the secrets to making an impact in academia with someone more experienced. 

• Eliminate the pronoun if possible

For example, do not write: We returned his manuscript two days after submission. 

Instead, write: We returned the manuscript two days after submission. 

• Use a plural term

For example, do not write: When an author revises his manuscript, he should consider the feedback provided by the peer reviewers. 

Instead, write: When authors revise their manuscripts, they should consider the feedback provided by the peer reviewers. 

4. Describing Age

As a general rule, refrain from mentioning a person’s age unless it is absolutely necessary for the context. In scientific writing, it is acceptable to use broad terms, such as infants, children, young adults, or older adults, to categorize age groups⁴. This approach maintains inclusivity and respects individuals regardless of their age.  

Conclusion

Embracing inclusive language in scholarly communication fosters a more welcoming environment for scholars from diverse backgrounds. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their life experiences, can equally benefit from advancements in science. It is worth noting that inclusive language constantly evolves with social development, which poses a great challenge for authors in terms of their English skills and the ability to pay attention to social trends. 

If you would like to achieve more efficient and inclusive expression in your papers, please choose Elsevier Language Services. Our professional editors, all native English speakers, with editing experience in more than 100 disciplines, can help you achieve professional, authentic, and inclusive academic expression in your papers, improve the chances of successful publication, and achieve long-term academic success. 

References: 

1. University of Idaho Inclusive Writing Guide. (n.d.). https://www.uidaho.edu/brand/print-digital-content/inclusive-writing-guide
2. UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center. (2023, December 8). Gender-Inclusive Language – The Writing Center. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/gender-inclusive-language/
3. Leu, P. (2020, July 2). Academic Writing: How do we use gender-inclusive language in academic writing? – Explorations in English Language Learning. Explorations in English Language Learning. https://englishexplorations.check.uni-hamburg.de/academic-writing-how-do-we-use-gender-inclusive-language-in-academic-writing/
4. Inclusive writing | York St John University. (n.d.). York St John University. https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/brand/our-writing-style/inclusive-writing/#age