KnowledgeCity

Cultivating Linguistic Awareness

Develop new practices to build linguistic awareness for better inclusion at work
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Course: On-Demand
Beginner  Provider Karen Korn  5 Lessons ·  15m  in German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese Simplified 

Course Description

In this course, you will learn how to cultivate linguistic awareness in order to avoid potentially biased, non-inclusive language. We will also discuss practices that can help you in building better work relationships. You will understand how name pronunciation, nicknames, pronoun use, gendered language, and humor all contribute to respectful treatment of others. In a diverse workspace, it is important to be mindful of how we interact with each other. In this course, you will learn how to skillfully modify your behavior and language to fit in with your surroundings, which will let you make intentional word choices that match the context.

Have you ever heard someone say that they feel like it's impossible to tell a joke anymore because someone always gets offended? In this course, you’ll learn about inclusive language and gain an understanding of why others may not appreciate certain humor, terms, or even well-intended nicknames. You’ll also learn practices to help you express yourself without accidentally offending others.

What You'll Learn

  • Avoid potentially biased, offensive, exclusive, or otherwise uncomfortable language
  • Recognize how name pronunciation, nicknames, pronoun use, gendered language, and humor contribute to respectful treatment of others
  • Apply best practices for building linguistic awareness
  • Modify your behavior and language to fit your surroundings and make intentional, context-appropriate word choices
  • Understand why others may not appreciate certain humor, terms, or well-intended nicknames
  • Express yourself without accidentally offending others

Key Takeaways

  • Cultivating linguistic awareness helps you avoid biased and non-inclusive language and build better work relationships.
  • Name pronunciation, nicknames, pronoun use, gendered language, and humor all contribute to the respectful treatment of others.
  • In a diverse workspace, it is important to be mindful of how people interact with one another.
  • Making intentional word choices that match the context lets you express yourself without accidentally offending others.
  • Understanding inclusive language clarifies why others may not appreciate certain humor, terms, or well-intended nicknames.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this course?

You will learn how to cultivate linguistic awareness to avoid potentially biased, non-inclusive language, and how name pronunciation, nicknames, pronoun use, gendered language, and humor contribute to respectful treatment of others. You will also learn practices to help you build better work relationships and express yourself without accidentally offending others.

What topics does the course cover?

The course covers Names and Nicknames; Gendered and Gender-Neutral Language; Humor, Anecdotes, and Conversation; and Practices for Building Awareness, and it ends with a Test Your Knowledge lesson.

Who is this course for?

It is for anyone who works in a diverse workspace and wants to be mindful of how they interact with others, modify their language to fit the context, and use inclusive language without accidentally offending others.

What skills will I gain?

The course builds skills in diversity awareness, applied linguistics, language acquisition, language education, phonological awareness, and sociolinguistics.

Does the course address concerns about humor and offending people?

Yes. The course explains why others may not appreciate certain humor, terms, or even well-intended nicknames, and teaches inclusive language and practices to help you express yourself without accidentally offending others.

Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Project Management Institute (PMI®)

Professional Development Units (PDUs): 0.5

Certification Program Categories:
Ways of WorkingPower SkillsBusiness Acumen

KnowledgeCity has been reviewed and approved by the PMI® Authorized Training Partner Program. Users can maintain your PMI credentials by earning PDUs from KnowledgeCity qualified courses in Project Management, Business Management, Leadership and many others.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®)

Professional Development Credits (PDCs): 0.5

Certification Program Categories:
Leadership & NavigationBusiness AcumenConsultationGlobal MindsetEthical PracticeRelationship ManagementAnalytical AptitudeCommunicationDiversity, Equity & Inclusion

KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).