Throughout your work with clients, it’s likely you encountered a language conundrum or situation. Perhaps you had a feeling of pause about how to best address the person receiving your services. Meaning, should you use person-first language, identity-first language, person-preferred language, or something else? So, let’s discuss each of these approaches.
Person-first language:
Language that puts the person before their/any diagnosis, disability, condition, or difference.
Example: Instead Of:
Person with a disability Disabled person
Person with diabetes Diabetic person
Person with a communication device Nonverbal person
Key takeaways: This method describes who the person is rather than describing them primarily through the lens of diagnosis, disability, condition, or difference.
Identity-first language:
Language that highlights diagnosis, disability, condition, or difference while concurrently recognizing personhood.
Example: Instead Of:
Autistic person Person with autism
An addict Person with a substance use disorder
Visually impaired person Person who has a visual impairment
Key takeaways: This method describes who the person is from a personal identity lens. Also, it highlights an important part of the person that holds strength and fundamental value.
Person-preferred language:
Language that is most preferred by the person for communicating.
Example (when preferred): Instead Of:
Wheelchair user Wheelchair-bound
Person with a seizure disorder Epileptic
Living with mental illness Suffering from mental illness
Key takeaways: This method describes who the person is based on their preference only.
Which Language Should You Use?
The most appropriate approach is to ask the person you work regarding their preference. In meeting new people in both professional and personal settings, after, “Hello,” I add to it. For example, I’ll say, “Please pronounce your name for me so I honor it.” Also, I might ask, “What are your preferred pronouns, so I honor your identity?” Alternatively, I could ask, “How do you prefer I address you?”
Moving forward, I address them as requested. After, if I make any errors in my language, I don’t skip past it. Also, I don’t ignore it or hope they didn’t notice. Instead, I stop immediately and identify my mistake. Then, I state my corrective plan to address the errors within my language. Finally, I confidently display acknowledgment and accountability moving forward.
A Few Closing Remarks
The best part? I sacrificed nothing in doing so. I only gained confidence in my efforts to honor the people I serve and those I work alongside. Hoping our client didn’t notice our word choice error only adds to the embarrassment we feel. Further, it could potentially trigger shame or other uncomfortable feelings. Remember, you don’t know what another person carries as a result of getting miscalled, misgendered, or misnamed.
In sum, ignoring errors in our language choice is an oppressive practice. Further, it lengthens the gap between our work of good-doing and best practices. Accountability and the effort of change in the world signify continued investment in meeting the needs of today’s clients. Therefore, it’s vital to address communities using words that honor their identity, preferences, and comforts. In doing so, it means we honor the person—and that’s the best start to any relationship.
