In order to move away from the predominant use of the masculine form used as a generic and to standardize all forms of inclusive language practices within EPFL, the School adopted officially 4 basic principles in English and French.
Principle 1
1- Avoid the masculine as generic : He, His, Him, Man and Men
The student should refer to his coach. becomes
- The student should refer to their coach.
- Students should refer to their coach.
- The student should refer to her or his coach.
Although these generics are intended to refer to any genders (male, female, other, unknown or irrelevant), they imply that the subject is male and therefore excludes all other genders.
If a student wants to subscribe to the newsletter, he needs to send an email.
Inclusive alternatives :
- If students want to subscribe to the newsletter, they need to send an email.
- If a student wants to subscritbe to the newsletter, they need to send an email.
- If you are a student and want to subscribe to the newsletter, send an email.
- Students can send an email to subscribe to the newsletter.
- Students can subscribe to the newsletter by sending an email.
From the images on the cave walls of Palaeolithic man
Inclusive alternative :
- From the images on Palaeolithic cave walls
The firemen are traditionally greeted by the Chairman.
Inclusive alternatives :
- The firefighters are traditionally greeted by the Chair.
- The firefighters are traditionally greeted by the Chairperson.
Principle 2
2- Be aware of word order.
When it is impossible to remove explicit mention of gender, women should be mentioned first.
When two persons are mentioned, the first one is considered to be central and more important. One could even argue that first-mentioned elements are likely to receive more attention, simply because they are read first. As such, in androcentric cultures, men are commonly and predominantly mentioned first in pairs (e.g., men and women, husband and wife), giving them a more central position.
The resulting “urban legends” of gender difference can affect men and women at work and at home, as parents and as partners.
Inclusive alternative :
The resulting “urban legends” of gender difference can affect women and men at work and at home, as parents and as partners.
Principle 3
3- Avoid gendered terms when addressing persons
When addressing persons, gendered terms should be avoided, as much as possible and when not relevant.
Dear Miss Yates becomes Dear Taylor Yates
Dear Chairman becomes Dear Chairperson
Principle 4
4- Avoid stereotypes and stereotyping
Avoid assuming a specific gender to be associated with certain roles or occupations.
Professors and their wives were invited to the annual luncheon. becomes Professors and their partners were invited to the annual luncheon.
Mothers can benefit from the university’s childcare service. becomes Parents can benefit from the university’s childcare service.
