List three ways in which language can reflect bias. Describe how to avoid using these types of

bias in your language.

What will be an ideal response?

(1 ) Bias can occur in language based upon race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion. A
sensitive communicator uses language to refer to an ethnic or religious group that is
preferred by that particular group.
(2 ) Bias can also occur in language based upon gender and sexual orientation. A
sensitive communicator avoids sexist language by avoiding masculine generic pronouns
and man-linked terms that make women seem invisible. Avoid heteorsexist language
that assumes that all people are heterosexual. For example, you could use the term
?partner? rather than ?husband? or ?wife?. Also, eliminate all homophobic language
which directly insults gays and lesbians.
(3 ) Bias can also occur based upon age, class, and ability. Age bias can be eliminated by
avoiding language that calls attention to someone?s age. Also, be careful of language
that stereotypes and denigrates the elderly. Be careful of glorifying youth. Be careful of
using language that makes distinctions between classes of people such as ?white collar?
and ?blue collar?. Be careful of using language that calls undue attention to someone?s
ability. Also, avoid using words with negative connotations in reference to someone?s
ability such as ?cripple?, ?retard?, or ?dumb? but rather use terms that focus on the
person rather than the handicap (persons with disabilities rather than disables person).