Sensitivity to migration and discrimination is expressed, not least, through language that minimizes discrimination. And for good reason: Language influences our perceptions and, thus, our social reality; it is the foundation of our human interactions. At the same time, language reveals power dynamics: Who speaks about whom? Who is not spoken about? Who has no voice at all? What labels are applied to people or groups? And: Language is never neutral. For example, the supposedly objective term “discovery of America” obscures the fact that a brutal colonization took place that cost countless lives. The problem becomes even clearer with the term “Reichskristallnacht”: Although widely used, it is actually an euphemism for the Reichspogromnacht, which marked the beginning of the systematic extermination of the Jews.
Against this backdrop, it becomes clear just how crucial the conscious use of language is, especially in today’s pluralistic society. And this applies equally to press and public relations work—on the one hand, because these fields influence social discourse, and on the other, because they should not unintentionally hurt anyone. But how can we use language that is sensitive to issues of migration and discrimination? It helps to keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Language that is sensitive to migration and discrimination is not about prohibitions, but rather about an appropriate linguistic expression of social reality. Especially in the often highly emotional debates surrounding migration and integration issues, terminology—when necessary—should be as precise, appropriate, and free of value judgments and stereotypes as possible, and should not unnecessarily reinforce prejudices.
- However, making informed decisions for or against a particular phrasing is only possible if one is aware of the associations, origins, and effects of certain terms.
- Sensitivity to migration and discrimination in language is also a sign of respect. Part of that respect involves allowing each individual to determine for themselves when a term is perceived as discriminatory. In cases of doubt, representatives of affected groups can be consulted.
Tools for Discrimination-Sensitive Language Use
Numerous tools and recommendations help people express themselves in a way that is sensitive to migration and discrimination—for example, by explaining the issues surrounding specific terms, suggesting alternative terminology, and raising general awareness of the topic. These resources are available for a wide variety of marginalized groups. Some of them are listed below:
Resources for Migration-Sensitive Language
Amnesty International: Glossary for Non-Discriminatory Language
Anti-Discrimination Office Cologne: Guide to Anti-Racist Language—Resource for Journalists
Working Group on Municipal Quality Circles for Integration: Resource Guide on Terms in Immigration and Integration Policy
Authors’ Collective “Anti-Racist Guide”: Anti-Racist Guide for Reflecting on Existing and Developing New Didactic Teaching and Learning Materials for School and Out-of-School Educational Work on Blackness, Africa, and the African Diaspora
Berlin Development Policy Council (BER): Develop-mental Turn: Contributions to Anti-Racist Development Education and Project Work (including checklists for anti-racist public relations work)
glokal e.V.: With Colonial Greetings … Reports and Stories from Stays Abroad Viewed Through an Anti-Racist Lens
heldenwetter.de: How “We” Write About “Them”: Reflections on Language in Travel Reports
Neue deutsche Medienmacher*innen e.V.: Glossary of the New German Media Makers. Guidance on phrasing for reporting in a country of immigration
Tools for discrimination-sensitive language use when referring to people with disabilities
Sozialhelden e.V.: “Suffering Media”—Reporting on People with Disabilities
University of Salzburg: The Book of Terms
Tools for non-discriminatory language use regarding LGBTIQ* individuals
Federation of Lesbian & Gay Journalists: Writing More Positively About Lesbians and Gay Men
TransInterQueer e.V.: Trans* Inter* Queer ABC
Transgender Network Switzerland: Media Guide
The Issue of Gender-Inclusive Language
The issue of gender-neutral language is also part of the broader topic of discrimination-sensitive language use. This refers to inclusive language that takes into account both masculine and feminine forms. There are various ways to do this:
- *, e.g., Polizist*in: The asterisk is intentionally used to leave room for all possible gender identities.
- /, e.g., Lehrer/in or Lehrer/-in
- _, e.g., professor_
- I, e.g., workerIn
- :, e.g., colleague:in
- Writing out both the masculine and feminine forms, e.g., male student and female student
- Neutral phrasing, e.g., students, people, or individuals instead of men and women; readers instead of male and female readers
Whether and in what form gender-inclusive language is used in one’s own press and public relations work is a matter that should be clarified in principle and then applied consistently. Here are some useful links and recommended reading:
Technical University of Berlin: Coordination Office for the Advancement of Women and Gender Equality: Gender-Sensitive Language – A Guide
Freie Universität Berlin: Gender Equality in Language and Images: A Guide
IG Metall: Tips for Gender-Inclusive Language in Public Relations
Johanna Müller: Skillful Use of Gender-Inclusive Language
Association of Women Journalists: Genderleicht. Portal for Gender-Sensitive Communication in Words and Images
University of Cologne: ÜberzeuGENDERe Language. A Guide to Gender-Sensitive Language
University of Potsdam: Guide: Gender-Inclusive Language
Reference to the Guide
Further information, recommendations, and successful real-world examples can be found in the publication “Discrimination-Sensitive Language in Press and Public Relations: A Guide for Written Communication.”
Further Links and Recommended Reading
Adibeli Nduka Agwu / Antje Lann Hornscheidt (eds.): “Racism in Plain German: A Critical Reference Work on Racist Language Acts (Transdisciplinary Gender Studies 1),” Brandes & Apsel, Frankfurt am Main, 2010
Sozialhelden e.V.: Ramp Up – Planning Accessible Events, Event Communication
Stefanowitsch, Anatol: “A Question of Morality: Why We Need Politically Correct Language,” Berlin 2018