Gender-Neutral Language
Basic Principle
Diversity is firmly anchored in the educational concept of SIS Swiss International School as a valuable resource. Diversity makes it possible to deal with and teach educational topics in a multidimensional way in the context of different cultural, social and biographical backgrounds.
One facet of diversity involves gender. SIS aims to be inclusive of its stakeholders and to express this in gender-sensitive language.
Intended Impression
"SIS Swiss International School strives for the greatest possible objectivity, gender equality and elegance in its use of language."
Scope of Application
This guideline on the use of gender-neutral language applies to English texts.
Implementation
Gender-Specific Terms
Avoid using gender-specific terms and replace them with gender-neutral terms.
Examples:
| Don't | Do |
| policeman | police officer |
| stewardess | flight attendant |
| mankind | humankind |
| manpower | workforce |
| brother/sister | sibling |
| ladies and gentlemen | honoured guests |
Personal Pronouns
Avoid using he/she by using the plural form.
Examples:
| Don't | Do |
| It’s really challenging to work for a perfectionist, because he is never satisfied. | It’s really challenging to work for perfectionists, because they are never satisfied. |
| Do you have a colleague who thinks he knows everything? | Do you have colleagues who think they know everything? |
Even when using the singular form, it is now widely accepted to use they and the associated pronouns even when talking about a word in the singular.
Examples:
| Don't | Do |
| Everybody has to choose the career that suits him best. | Everybody has to choose the career that suits them best. |
| The teacher will decide and his decision will be final. | The teacher will decide and their decision will be final. |
| Any substitutes organised by the teacher himself must be approved by the school management. | Any substitutes organised by the teacher themselves must be approved by the school management. |
Possessive Articles
Possessive articles such as his or her can sometimes be replaced with the or a(n). Sometimes it is also possible to omit articles altogether. But then it is often necessary to change to the plural form.
Examples:
| Don't | Do |
| A teacher has a profound influence on the learning success of his students. | A teacher has profound influence on the learning success of students. Or: A teacher has profound influence on the learning success of a student. |
| A teacher should correct his students' work following clear criteria. | A teacher should correct the students' work following clear criteria. |
A brief guide to implementation can be found in the English Style Sheet under 20. Gender-Neutral Language.