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Ask yourself:Do you mean what you say?

We can rethink our attitudes, but the language we use is often habitual. We need to listen carefully to ourselves to ensure that our language does not reinforce old stereotypes. We can also adopt patterns of speech and writing that promote balance and equality. Make a list of the stereotypical things that might be said in the daily life of a setting, such as, 'I need two strong boys to help me shift these box', 'I want some helpful girls to lay the table with me' or 'That's not very ladylike.'

Make a list of the stereotypical things that might be said in the daily life of a setting, such as, 'I need two strong boys to help me shift these box', 'I want some helpful girls to lay the table with me' or 'That's not very ladylike.'

Statements that seem outrageously gender-biased to some practitioners may be less obvious to others, so explore ways of re-thinking the language with sensitivity.

It may be simple to change most statements to make them non gender-specific. Using plurals such as 'people' or' children' is an obvious way to avoid constantly repeating 'he/she'.

Look as well at how to use language that promotes the self-esteem of both genders. Are some words used specifically for boys or girls? Make a list of words and phrases relating to, for example, appearance. Would the words 'handsome' or 'pretty' be applied equally to both genders? If not, why? Do girls get complimented more on their hairstyles and clothes and boys more on their strength and skills?

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