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Changing Work Titles & Greater Equality
Tags : avoiding workplace conflicts, CC Japan, Compelling Conversations, Conversation Tips, English in the workplace, teaching English, Vocabulary, workplace communication skills, workplace English
Comments : 4
“Habits change into character.”
~Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE), Ancient Roman poet
Which is correct: fireman or firefighter? The answer is both! But one has been gaining traction lately, along with many other gender-neutral terms for occupational titles. Here’s why:
Many professions were traditionally only open to men. As women have gained greater rights and society has become more equal, the titles used for many professions have changed. It is important, however, to recognize both traditional and modern terms for various professions. We recommend the use of modern terms that show women can hold these important positions too.
Other examples of this include:
chairman => chair/chairperson
businessman => business professional
mailman => mail carrier
Can you think of any more occupations that have made the shift towards more inclusive language? Encouraging your students to do so can open up enlightening discussion on new workplace policies, and get them familiar with even more helpful terminology!
Interested in learning more? Get the info on Compelling Conversations – Japan, including where to find sample chapters, here!
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Eric H. Roth
Eric H. Roth teaches international graduate students the pleasures and perils of academic writing and public speaking in English at the University of Southern California (USC). He also consults English language schools on communicative methods to effectively teach English. Roth co-authored Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics in 2006 to help English language learners increase their English fluency. Recommended by English Teaching Professional magazine, the advanced ESL textbook has been used in over 50 countries in English classrooms and conversation clubs. Easy English Times, an adult literacy newspaper, has published a monthly column, “Instant Conversation Activities,” based on the book since 2008. The first specific version for a particular country, Vietnam, was published in 2011, followed by 2012's Compelling American Conversations. A title for Japanese learners, Compelling Conversations – Japan, was released in 2015, and a second edition of Compelling Conversations – Vietnam in 2016. Eric enjoys sharing reflections, resources, and teaching tips on this #ESL #EFL #ELT blog.
RT @compellingtalks: Changing Work Titles & Equality:
https://t.co/smrRy20oB3
RT @compellingtalks: Changing Work Titles & Equality:
https://t.co/smrRy20oB3
” We recommend the use of modern terms that show women can hold these important positions too.” 100% Agreed. There are strong , amazing and brave females out there who hold these positions. I believe firefighter term is the right one as well.
We agree. The increase in women’s rights might be the most positive social movement of the 20th century. It allowed half of the world’s population to share their creativity, intelligence, and passion in the workplace.