Blog Details

By: Alisa Arkhangelskaya

Embracing Diversity in Global Communication

As we celebrate Pride Month this June, we should recognize the power of language in shaping views, promoting inclusivity, and supporting equality. In the realm of translation and interpretation, using inclusive language is vital to represent and respect diverse identities and experiences across languages.

Understanding Inclusive Language

Inclusive language uses words and phrases that avoid bias, slang and expressions that causes discrimination based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other traits. For LGBTQ+ communities, it includes terms that recognize and affirm various gender identities and sexual orientations.

Research shows that using inclusive language can boost individuals’ sense of belonging and psychological well-being. Gender-inclusive language increases feelings of social inclusion and positively affects people’s perception of their social environment.

The Challenge of Translating Inclusive Language

Translating inclusive language presents unique challenges as cultural norms, linguistic structures, and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues vary across languages and regions.

For professional translators and interpreters, navigating these challenges requires not only linguistic expertise but also cultural competence and sensitivity to LGBTQ+ issues. It’s essential to stay informed about evolving terminology and best practices in inclusive language use across different languages and cultures.

Strategies for Inclusive Translation

To ensure inclusive and respectful translations, consider these strategies:

1. Stay updated on LGBTQ+ terminology: Regularly check resources like GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide for appropriate and respectful terms.
2. Collaborate with LGBTQ+ communities: Engage with local LGBTQ+ organizations to learn culturally appropriate language use.
3. Use gender-neutral language when possible: Opt for inclusive alternatives where available, like using “Latinx” or “Latine” in Spanish instead of “Latino” or “Latina.”
4. Provide context and explanations: When direct translations aren’t available, add brief explanations or footnotes to educate readers about LGBTQ+ concepts.
5. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities: While promoting inclusivity, consider the cultural context of the target audience for effective communication. Some cultures may require a more gradual introduction to certain inclusive terms.

The Impact of Inclusive Translation

Adopting inclusive language in translation can have far-reaching effects like:

• Foster a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in global contexts
• Enhance cross-cultural understanding and empathy
• Improve the accuracy and effectiveness of communication in diverse settings
• Support the global movement for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition

Case Study: Inclusive Translation in Action

A company can face challenges when localizing its user interface to include gender-neutral options across multiple languages. In English, it is possible to use “they/them” as a singular pronoun option. However, this can be more difficult in languages like French or German, which have grammatical gender

Solution: In recent years, languages have slowly changed. For the French language, a possible gender-neutral pronoun of “iel” has been introduced, while in German, “x” is used as a gender-neutral marker (e.g., “Liebe*x” instead of “Lieber” or “Liebe”). These solutions need extensive education but can create a more inclusive environment.

Best Practices for Inclusive Localization

To further enhance inclusive translation efforts, follow these best practices:

1. Use plain language: Write clearly and concisely to make content more accessible and easier to translate accurately
2. Create diverse references: Use examples and imagery beyond Western norms.
3. Implement accessibility features: Ensure digital content is compatible with screen readers and includes captions for multimedia.
4. Develop comprehensive style guides: Create language-specific guides for inclusive language use in each market.
5. Leverage technology: Use AI-powered tools to detect biases in source content before translation.

Conclusion

This Pride Month, let’s commit to inclusive communication across languages and cultures. Together, we can break down language barriers and foster a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

The journey to fully inclusive language in translation is ongoing and requires continuous learning and adaptation. By staying informed, collaborating with diverse communities, and using both human expertise and technology, we can create more inclusive multilingual content.

For more information on our inclusive translation services, please visit our Solutions page.

 

References:

Tavits, M., & Pérez, E. O. (2019). Language influences mass opinion toward gender and

LGBT equality. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(34),

16781-16786.

Nossem, E. (2021). Translation and gender: The state of the art. Translation and

Interpreting Studies, 16(2), 169-187.

Lionbridge. (2021). The Future of Digital Marketing: The Role of Bias and Inclusive

Language in Localization.

https://www.lionbridge.com/blog/global-marketing/the-future-of-digital-marketing-the-role

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