Inclusive language
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In general, don’t use physical attributes, age, sexual orientation or race to describe someone unless it is integral to the writing. It’s better to identify people geographically than by race. Only specify race if it’s relevant.
- When talking about people with disabilities, mention the disability only if it is relevant.
- Words to use and avoid:
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If necessary and uncertain what term to use to describe an individual, ask what they prefer.
The following are acceptable terms to use:
- Black or Black Canadian
- Asian, South Asian or Southeast Asian; the specific country of origin is preferrable.
- Don’t assume a member of an underrepresented group is also an immigrant.
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In reference to Indigenous Peoples, use the band or group which the individual or group belongs if you know it. If not, use Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit (never Eskimo) or Métis . Avoid native, Indian or aboriginal unless the individual specifically requests it.
In Universities Canada style, we use the full term First Nations, Inuit and Métis if space allows. If necessary, Indigenous Peoples can be used.
If possible, reference the specific First Nations, Inuit or Métis community:
- First Nation Community of Wahta Mohawk vs. First Nation communities
- Inuit Community (of Nunavut, Nunavik) vs. Inuit community (general)
- Note: Inuit is plural while Inuk is singular
- The terms Nation, band or Peoples are preferred to describe any settlement or community of Indigenous Peoples. Use First Nation or community instead of reserve , unless writing about the tract of land allocated to a First Nation. Use the style and spelling preferred by Indigenous Peoples for the names of their communities. See the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canadamap of First Nations and page onInuit communities for spelling and style.
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Capitalize most terms related to Indigenous Peoples, such as governmental, social, spiritual and religious institutions.
- Knowledge or Ways of Knowing, Ceremony, Oral Tradition, Creator
- Elders, Chief, Knowledge Keepers, Matriarch, Survivor
- Treaty, Treaty Right, Indigenous Right, Traditional Territory
- A person’s sexual orientation should never be mentioned unless relevant. Use sexual orientation, not sexual preference; the term sexuality should be avoided. Gay and lesbian are the preferred terms to describe people attracted to the same sex; homosexual is considered offensive by some. Lesbian woman is redundant and don’t use gay as a noun.
- Gender identity refers to an individual’s own personal sense of their gender and may not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Sometimes this is referred to as transgender (not “transgendered); avoid using the shortened form trans except in a quote. In some cases, one gender identity may be neither a man or a woman — a circumstance known variously as non-binary, gender non-conforming or genderqueer. Whenever possible, confirm with the person how they wish to be described, including the pronouns they use — male, female or gender-neutral pronouns like they and them. You may use a person’s proper name as an alternative to foster as must clarity as possible.
- Gender expression refers to how an individual chooses to outwardly express their gender identity. Gender identity and gender expression do not always align, so do not make assumptions.
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Universities Canada has adopted 2SLGBTQIA+ to be more inclusive and align with our members.
2S: Two-Spirit, often used to represent various gender identities as sexual orientations within the Indigenous community. LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (see above) Q: Queer and/or Questioning. “Queer,” historically derogatory, has been reclaimed by some as a positive way to describe themselves and to include many diverse identities. “Questioning” is a person who is uncertain about their sexual orientation and/or identity. I: Intersex, an umbrella term for individuals with various types of biological sex differentiation. A: Asexual, individuals who lack interest in sexual expression. +: Other ways individuals express themselves.
- Avoid the awkward construction he/she by using plural as much as possible. Avoid using he or him as generic. Use they when needed or use the.
- Universities Canada uses the term “Dr.” when referring to holders of both honorary and earned doctorate degrees.
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University professors who don’t hold doctorates are referred to as “Professor.” Non-academic administrators without PhDs are referred to by their full names.
On second reference, avoid using courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs.), and use last names instead. If necessary, use Mrs., Miss or Ms., following the individual’s preference.
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When writing for web/digital and including links, use descriptive text. Link text should make sense out of context for those who use screen readers.
prefer The federal government announced theSolving the Housing Crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan initiative today.
avoid The federal government announced the Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan initiative today. Clickhere to learn more.
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Canada recognizes Palestine as a state. Palestine and Palestinian are acceptable when used in discussion around international recognition and activities where Palestine has been admitted, such as the Olympics.
Otherwise, refer specifically to the West Bank and Gaza, or the Palestinian territories to include both.
Terms to avoid
A special program for Indigenous students
Use: people, humanity workers, labour force firefighter staffed police officer cleaner executives, businesspeople chair, chairperson women Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis First Nation/community person(s) with disabilities, differently abled underrepresented or marginalized group sexual orientation 2SLGBTQIA+
Avoid: mankind manpower fireman manned policeman cleaning lady businessman chairman, chairwoman ladies native, Indian, aboriginal, Eskimo reserve the handicapped, the disabled minorities sexual preference
Racialized language
Indigenous language
2SLGBTQIA+
Pronouns and honorifics
The doctor should listen carefully to his the patientEach student will bring his/her their own lunch.