When applied to languages, the term “fluid” can refer to several concepts:

• Fluidity in language also encompasses creative expression, where speakers or writers play with language to convey meaning in innovative ways. This might include using metaphor, slang, or blending languages to express contemporary ideas and identities.
• Languages can exhibit fluidity in their grammar and usage. For instance, as societal norms change, the way language is used to express gender may also change. This includes the adoption of gender-neutral terms or pronouns, which reflects a more fluid understanding of gender identity.

For instance, the use of 'they ’ as a neuter singular pronoun has become common to refer to people who do not identify exclusively as male or female. This change in grammar not only makes language more inclusive, but also recognises the reality of non-binary gender identities.

In the context of gender identity, fluidity implies that people can identify in ways that are not limited to the traditional binaries of male and female. Some people may identify as non-binary, genderqueer or gender fluid, meaning that their gender experience may vary over time or according to context. This expanded understanding of gender identity has led to greater acceptance of different gender experiences, challenging historical conventions and social expectations.

Let's clarify some key definitions:

• Biological Sex Identity: This refers to the physical and biological characteristics of an individual, including chromosomes (XX or XY), gonads (testes or ovaries) and primary and secondary sexual traits (such as breasts or body hair). For example, a person born with male physical characteristics (XY) is identified as male, while a person with female physical characteristics (XX) is identified as female.
• Gender Identity: It is the internal and personal experience of being male, female, a combination of both, or neither. It is not necessarily related to biological sex and may differ from it. For example, a person assigned as male at birth may identify as female.
• Gender Expression: Represents how a person expresses their gender through behaviour, clothing and hairstyle. For example, a person with a female gender identity may choose to dress in a traditionally feminine manner, but may also opt for a more androgynous or masculine style.

Examples of Expressions with Colour-Signified Stereotypes

Saying ‘it's black as night’ or ‘seeing black’ tends to associate the colour black with something negative or dark, while ‘seeing everything pink’ suggests a positive and optimistic outlook. These expressions, although often unconscious, associate black with pessimism and danger, while other colours have more neutral or positive meanings.

Alternative:It is possible to say ‘it's dark as night’ or simply ‘seeing negatively’, avoiding direct and stereotypical associations with colours.

Expressions of Value and Gender Stereotypes

Phrases such as ‘reacted like a man’ or ‘spoke like a woman’ reinforce the idea that certain behaviours are intrinsically linked to gender.

Alternative: Use phrases such as ‘reacted with courage’ or ‘spoke with sensitivity’, which avoid linking the behaviour to a gender, giving space for individuality without stereotyping.

Gender Exclusivity in Professions Historically Associated with Only One Gender

In many languages, gendered language can create implicit associations between certain professions and a specific gender. For example, phrases like “the policeman intervened promptly” or “the teacher [female] has been teaching for years” may suggest that these roles are inherently tied to one gender, reinforcing stereotypes about who belongs in these positions.

In contrast, using gender-neutral alternatives such as “the police officer intervened” or “the teacher has been teaching for years” helps to eliminate this exclusivity.

While English has many gender-neutral terms, other languages may require more conscious effort to use inclusive language. This shift towards neutral job titles supports inclusivity and challenges traditional gender expectations associated with various professions.

Patronising language

One example of patronising language is the additions of diminutive suffixes to denote that the referent is female.

Example:  The usherette helped me to my seat just as the actress came on stage.

Alternative: The usher helped me to my seat just as the actor came on stage.

Think about the meaning of the words kitchenette and novelette compared to the words kitchen and novel to see the effect of the –ette suffix.

The fluidity of language plays a crucial role in reflecting and supporting the diversity of human experience. Just as gender identity can exist beyond the traditional binaries of male and female, language itself is evolving to capture a wider spectrum of identities. This shift is significant, as language not only describes our reality but also shapes it—helping people feel seen, respected, and validated.

Use of they as singular pronoun

One of the most notable innovations in gender-sensitive language is the use of gender-neutral pronouns, such as "they/them" in English. Though "they" has historically been used as a plural pronoun, its adoption as a singular, gender-neutral option has become widespread and accepted, even being added to dictionaries and style guides.

For those who identify outside the binary, using "they" offers a respectful, inclusive way to refer to individuals without presuming gender. This has also spurred the creation of other pronouns, such as "ze/hir," which aim to provide additional inclusive options for people who may feel that "they" doesn’t fully capture their gender experience.

Example:

"Taylor is bringing their friend with them, and they will arrive at 6."

In this sentence, "they" and "their" refer to Taylor and their friend, respecting Taylor's unspecified gender.

Neologisms and neutral terms

In professional or formal settings, terms like "chairperson" instead of "chairman" or "spokesperson" instead of "spokesman" are now commonly used, as are gender-neutral alternatives for traditionally gendered family terms, like "sibling" instead of "brother" or "sister." This shift is increasingly common in official documents, academia, and media, where institutions are revising guidelines to make language more reflective of diverse gender identities.

Use of Mx.

The use of Mx. as a title (rather than Mr. or Ms.) is another example of how language is accommodating non-binary and genderqueer identities. As an honorific, Mx. is now recognized by many organizations and some governments, providing a formal option that respects gender diversity.

Use of 'x', '@', and '-' forms for non-binary expression

In languages where grammatical gender is embedded (such as French, Italian and Spanish), inclusive adaptations have also emerged. For example, the use of gender-neutral endings is gaining traction—such as "x" or "@" in place of traditional masculine and feminine endings ("Latinx" in place of "Latino" or "Latina"), or the Italian "-u" and "-," as in "tutt" to mean "everyone." These linguistic changes help reduce the dominance of masculine forms as default and provide options for non-binary individuals who may not feel comfortable with binary endings.

However, while this adaptations promote inclusivity, they can make sentences slightly harder to read or pronounce, especially for those unfamiliar with these forms. In some cases, the visual flow of the text can be interrupted by unfamiliar symbols or endings, which challenges traditional reading patterns.

Gender stereotyping in language often arises from using terms, expressions, or structures that reinforce outdated gender roles or assumptions and making changes in this area can have a significant positive impact on social perceptions and individual inclusivity.

Plural forms

Using plural forms offers an easy, gender-neutral alternative to gendered pronouns. This approach is preferable because it is inclusive and helps avoid complex sentence structures.

Instead of
"Each actor should memorize his lines"

Use

"All actors should memorize their lines"

Instead of

"Every waiter must wear his uniform"

Use

“All waiters must wear their uniforms"

Omitting pronouns

Often, a sentence can be rephrased to avoid the need for gendered pronouns. However, depending on the context, this approach may feel a bit impersonal and should be applied thoughtfully.

Instead of

Employees should submit timesheets by Friday*

Use

"A timesheet must be submitted by Friday for payroll processing."

*In various languages, it's common to use the masculine form as a generic term to refer to all individuals.

Multiple pronouns/forms

This technique explicitly incorporates both feminine and masculine forms to avoid the use of the generic masculine. However, it should be applied sparingly, as excessive repetition can impact the text's readability. If you choose to combine pronouns, it is imperative that a standardized version be used consistently throughout the document (e.g. her/his versus her or his).

Instead of
"Each actor should memorize his lines"

Use

"All actors should memorize their lines"

Instead of

"Every waiter must wear his uniform"

Use

“All waiters must wear their uniforms"

Passive voice

Using the passive voice is another alternative to the generic masculine. However, it’s important to note that the passive voice can make the text feel less dynamic. Nevertheless, this approach may be more suitable for certain documents.

Instead of

"The manager should ensure that his team submits the report by the deadline."

Use

"The report should be submitted by the deadline."

*In various languages, it's common to use the masculine form as a generic term to refer to all individuals.

Rephrasing sentences can greatly diminish gender bias. Instead of saying, "He is a strong leader," a more inclusive approach would be to say, "They demonstrate strong leadership skills." This not only avoids assumptions about gender but also normalizes the use of singular "they," which has gained traction as a gender-neutral pronoun.

In job descriptions, it's essential to steer clear of masculine-coded language that might deter female candidates or those who identify outside the gender binary. Words like "aggressive" or "dominant" can perpetuate stereotypes about masculinity, while terms like "collaborative" or "inclusive" appeal to a broader audience.

Furthermore, adapting how we address groups can promote inclusivity. Instead of "ladies and gentlemen," one could opt for "everyone" or "distinguished guests," ensuring no one feels excluded. These linguistic adjustments not only enhance communication but also reflect a commitment to diversity and equality in all spheres of life.

Source: Guidelines for the use of language as a driver of inclusivity, Council d’Europe, 2024, pg.8-9

Language activists on social media promote inclusive language, seeking to change language norms to avoid discriminatory or exclusive expressions, such as those based on gender or disability.

	Alice Orrú A freelance and multilingual content designer and UX writer advocating for inclusive and accessible languages. Additionally, she co-authored the first italian handbook on inclusive and accessible writing “Scrivi e lascia vivere” (‘’Write and let others live”) and her professional newsletter “Ojalá” address the issue of inclusive and accessible communication in the digital environment
	Charlotte Marti An inclusive French Translator and Communication Expert at creating bias-free communication in French though translation from English and German. She is the cofounder of (R)évolution Inclusive is a collective of 12 freelance professional translators working from different languages into gender-inclusive French.
	Ari Vélez Olivera (they/them) An editor and proofreader who specializes in translating from English to Spanish using non-binary and inclusive language.
	Mariana Dadalto Schettino A translator specialized in D&I, using ‘Gender Inclusive Language’ for Localization in the Gaming Industry. Here an interesting interview where she says: “Making use of gender inclusive language leads to better communication with the female players and generates high quality localized products that actively avoid leaving any group of customers as an outsider”.

Through campaigns, hashtags, and educational content, these activists highlight issues related to gender, race, and identity, prompting discussions that were once considered taboo.

In this context, initiatives from the European Union (EU) have further amplified these efforts. Campaigns such as "No Hate Speech Movement" and "EU Gender Equality Strategy" promote respectful language and combat discrimination across member states. These campaigns emphasize the importance of using inclusive language to foster understanding and acceptance among diverse communities. They provide resources and guidelines for individuals and organizations to adopt language that respects gender identity and cultural differences.

The European Commission launched a campaign to challenge gender stereotypes, on 8 March 2023. The #EndGenderStereotypes campaign, disseminated throughout 2023, tackled gender stereotypes affecting both men and women in different spheres of life, including career choices, sharing care responsibilities and decision-making.