As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of inclusive language is increasingly recognized. Inclusive Japanese, which aims to avoid gender bias and promote equality, is an evolving field. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Japanese speaker, learning to speak inclusively can enrich your communication skills and ensure you respect everyone you interact with.

Why Inclusive Language Matters

Inclusive language seeks to respect and acknowledge the diversity of all people. It avoids assumptions based on gender, race, or other characteristics and aims to foster a more equitable society. In Japanese, this involves being mindful of how the language can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes or exclude certain groups.

Gendered Language in Japanese

Traditional Japanese often differentiates between genders, sometimes subtly and sometimes overtly. For example, words like “boku” (僕) and “ore” (俺) are typically used by men, while “watashi” (私) and “atashi” (あたし) are more commonly used by women. These distinctions can perpetuate gender norms and stereotypes.

Common Gendered Pronouns:
– 彼 (kare): He
– 彼女 (kanojo): She

In an effort to speak more inclusively, many people now use “あの人” (ano hito) or “その人” (sono hito), which translates to “that person” or “this person,” respectively. These terms are gender-neutral and can be used to refer to anyone.

Gender-Neutral Pronouns

The use of gender-neutral pronouns is a cornerstone of inclusive language. In English, terms like “they/them” are commonly used. Japanese, however, does not have a direct equivalent. Here are some strategies to use gender-neutral language effectively:

Avoiding Pronouns: One way to be inclusive is to avoid using pronouns altogether. Instead, use the person’s name or a neutral term like “あの人” (ano hito).

Using the Person’s Title or Role: Instead of gendered pronouns, use the person’s title or role. For example:
– 先生 (sensei): Teacher
– 社長 (shachou): Company president
– 学生 (gakusei): Student

These terms are inherently gender-neutral and can be used to refer to anyone.

Gender-Neutral Titles and Occupations

In Japanese, many job titles and professional terms are gender-neutral. However, some traditional titles can be gender-specific. For example:
– 看護師 (kangoshi): Nurse (gender-neutral)
– 俳優 (haiyuu): Actor (traditionally male)
– 女優 (joyuu): Actress (traditionally female)

To be more inclusive, some people prefer using the term “俳優” (haiyuu) for both male and female actors. Similarly, for other professions, try to use gender-neutral terms whenever possible.

Avoiding Gendered Language in Daily Conversations

In daily conversations, it’s essential to be aware of the language you use. Here are some tips:

Use Neutral Greetings: Instead of using gendered terms like “お兄さん” (oniisan) for older brother or “お姉さん” (oneesan) for older sister, opt for more neutral greetings like “こんにちは” (konnichiwa) which means “hello.”

Refer to People by Their Names: Using someone’s name instead of a gendered pronoun or title can help avoid assumptions. For example, instead of saying “彼女は学生です” (kanojo wa gakusei desu – She is a student), say “アキラは学生です” (Akira wa gakusei desu – Akira is a student).

Inclusive Language in Formal Settings

When in formal settings, such as business meetings or academic environments, it’s crucial to use inclusive language. Here are some strategies:

Use Professional Titles: Refer to people by their professional titles rather than their gender. For example, instead of “彼は先生です” (kare wa sensei desu – He is a teacher), say “先生は” (sensei wa – The teacher is).

Write Gender-Neutral Emails: Start your emails with neutral greetings like “皆様へ” (minasama e – To everyone) or “お世話になっております” (osewa ni natte orimasu – Thank you for your continued support).

Avoid Assumptions: When addressing a group, avoid assuming their gender. Use terms like “皆さん” (minasan – everyone) instead of “男女” (danjo – men and women).

Inclusive Language in Media and Literature

Media and literature play a significant role in shaping societal norms. Using inclusive language in these fields can promote equality and respect.

Use Gender-Neutral Characters: When writing stories or creating media content, include gender-neutral characters. This can help normalize the concept of inclusivity.

Avoid Stereotypes: Be mindful of avoiding stereotypes in your portrayal of characters. For example, avoid depicting women only in caregiving roles or men only in leadership roles.

Promote Diverse Voices: Highlight diverse voices and experiences in your content. This can help foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Inclusive Language in Education

Educators play a crucial role in promoting inclusive language. Here are some strategies for teachers and educators:

Use Inclusive Materials: Choose textbooks and materials that use inclusive language. This can help students learn to communicate respectfully and inclusively.

Encourage Respectful Communication: Teach students to use inclusive language in their interactions. Encourage them to avoid assumptions and use gender-neutral terms.

Create an Inclusive Classroom Environment: Foster an environment where all students feel respected and included. This can help promote a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Challenges of Inclusive Language in Japanese

While the use of inclusive language is important, it comes with its own set of challenges:

Lack of Gender-Neutral Pronouns: Japanese does not have a direct equivalent of gender-neutral pronouns like “they/them” in English, making it challenging to avoid gendered language entirely.

Traditional Norms: Traditional norms and societal expectations can make it difficult to adopt inclusive language. It requires a conscious effort and sometimes faces resistance.

Limited Awareness: Not everyone is aware of the importance of inclusive language. Raising awareness and educating people about its significance is crucial.

How to Practice Inclusive Language

Practicing inclusive language requires conscious effort and continuous learning. Here are some tips:

Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the evolving practices of inclusive language. Follow relevant blogs, attend workshops, and engage in discussions.

Seek Feedback: Encourage feedback from peers and colleagues about your use of language. This can help you identify areas for improvement.

Be Mindful: Be mindful of the language you use in your daily interactions. Make a conscious effort to avoid gendered language and use inclusive terms.

Resources for Learning Inclusive Japanese

Several resources can help you learn and practice inclusive Japanese:

Online Courses: Many online platforms offer courses on inclusive language and communication. Some of these include:
– Coursera
– Udemy
– Skillshare

Books and Articles: Reading books and articles on inclusive language can provide valuable insights. Some recommended reads include:
– “The Handbook of Japanese Sociolinguistics” by Yoshiko Matsumoto
– “Gender and Language in Japanese” by Janet S. Shibamoto-Smith

Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars focused on inclusive language. These events provide practical tips and opportunities to engage with experts.

Conclusion

Speaking inclusive Japanese is an ongoing journey that requires awareness, effort, and a commitment to equality and respect. By making conscious choices in your language use, you can contribute to a more inclusive society. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced speaker, these strategies and resources can help you communicate more inclusively and respectfully in Japanese.

Remember, the goal of inclusive language is not just about avoiding offense, but about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. By adopting inclusive language practices, you can make a positive impact on the people around you and help promote a more equitable world.