Culturally-Sensitive and Bias-Free Language

Flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concepts of bias-free, culturally sensitive, and inclusive language based on the lecture notes prepared by Ms. Rowena F. Egargo.

Bias-free Language / Culturally-Sensitive Language

Also called 'POLITICALLY-CORRECT' terms; language used by a person who is aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist and that these should not be assigned a positive or negative value.

Racism

A form of discrimination against a person or persons of a different race or ethnic group.

Cultural Bias

Occurs when a person is inclined to interpret a situation from their own cultural perspective, causing potential conflict and misinterpretation.

Ethnocentrism

The formal term for a culturally-skewed perspective where a person naturally sees their own culture as the 'anchoring point' (norm) and believes their cultural practices and customs are the correct standards for other cultures to follow.

Sexism

Language that discriminates against any gender or sexual orientation.

LGBTQ

An acronym standing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer.

Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313)

Also known as the Bawal Bastos Law; a Philippine law prohibiting gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, workplaces, and educational institutions.

Classism

Discrimination against any class or socio-economic background.

Ageism

A form of discrimination against people based on their age, holding prejudices or assuming older people are less physically, intellectually, or emotionally able than other age groups.

Marginalization (Ageism Context)

A form of discrimination against both older and younger workers, including denial of access to resources, opportunities, spaces, or services.

Impairment

A physiological condition, such as a damaged or stiff leg or foot.

Disability

The consequence of an impairment, such as difficulty in walking or walking unevenly.

Handicap

The social implication of one's disability; a condition or barrier imposed by society, such as difficulty moving up stairs in a building without an elevator.

Inclusive Language

Language that does not reinforce discriminatory biases or contribute to the concept of 'normal' vs. 'other'.

People-first Language

A principle of inclusive language that puts the person before their characteristics (e.g., using 'person with a disability' instead of 'disabled person').

Informal Settlers

The bias-free alternative term recommended to replace the biased term 'squatter'.

Domestic Engineer

A politically-correct term used as an alternative for 'housewife'.

Sanitary Engineer

A politically-correct term used as an alternative for 'janitor'.

Outdoor Urban Dwellers

A politically-correct term used as an alternative for 'homeless'.

Allow list / Deny list

Alternative bias-free terms to use instead of 'blacklist / whitelist'.