Language Evolution Towards Equality
I recently had the privilege of speaking at the PayTech Women Latino Inclusion Group meetup, where we discussed the evolution of language towards greater equality — particularly in the context of terms like Latinx and Latine. These conversations felt both exciting and deeply significant.
As someone who has spent the last decade living in my second language and navigating a different culture, I’m constantly fascinated by the ways language evolves, particularly in the pursuit of inclusivity. It’s a journey of continuous learning, and I feel privileged to be a part of these important conversations.
Living and Learning Through Language
I’m always learning something new about how to engage with another culture and embrace inclusivity. It’s an ongoing process of becoming more mindful and finding ways to ensure that everyone feels welcomed. Language is a living entity. It adapts and evolves, especially as we become more aware of the diverse ways people identify.
A funny example is how verbs like “Google” and “Uber” have quickly become part of our daily vocabullary. Similarly, the terms used to describe people of Latin American heritage have also evolved. The emergence of words like Latinx and Latine reflects this broader societal shift towards inclusion.
Decoding Terminology: Latino, Hispanic, Latinx, and Latine
- Hispanic refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, which includes those from Latin America.
- Latino describes people from Latin America, regardless of their language, it’s a masculine term.
- Latina is the feminine counterpart of Latino representing people from Latin America.
- Latinx is a gender-neutral term used to include all people of Latin American descent without specifying gender.
- Latine is another gender-neutral term, which is easier to pronounce for many Spanish speakers because it aligns better with Romance language structures.
Historical and Cultural Influences on Terminology
Language shifts, especially around identity, don’t happen in a vacuum. As our societies become more diverse and inclusive, we find ourselves engaging in new discussions.
For instance, Latino and Hispanic are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Latino refers to people from Latin America, while Hispanic connects more to language, specifically Spanish.
It’s important to remember not all Latin American countries speak Spanish — there’s also Portuguese, Indigenous Languages (such as Quechua, Aymara, Nahuatl, Mapuche, Guarani, etc.), English, French, Dutch, Creole Languages (like Haitian Creole, Papiamento, Jamaican Patois), German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese (various dialects), Japanese, and Yiddish.
For some people, using gendered language like Latino doesn’t feel inclusive, and that’s where Latinx and Latine come into play. These terms reflect a growing awareness and sensitivity toward non-binary and non-cisgender identities.
Personal Preference in Language Use
In my own life, I gravitate towards Latinx or Latine when referring to groups with mixed genders or when I don’t want to assume someone’s gender. For example, I often use “they” as a pronoun until I know how someone prefers to be addressed.
Language is personal, and no one should impose a label on someone else. I know people who reject the term Latino and instead identify as Chicano or something else entirely. And that’s okay — it’s their right to define themselves.
The Role of Organizations in Promoting Inclusive Language
It’s crucial for organizations and the media to adopt inclusive language, whether it’s using Latinx, Latine, or simply referring to “folks from Latin America” or “Latin people.”
When we make the effort to use inclusive language, we ensure that no one feels invisible or disrespected. This isn’t just about being politically correct; it’s about recognizing and honoring the diversity within our communities.
Historically, minority groups have been marginalized, and we’re still far from achieving true gender equality. However, organizations and the media have a unique opportunity to lead by example in creating more inclusive spaces.
Generational and Cultural Shifts in Language
Generational differences also play a huge role in how terms like Latinx and Latine are received. Younger generations are often more open to these changes because we’ve grown up witnessing how language evolves with new technologies and societal shifts.
This openness to change is fascinating, particularly as I reflect on how I’ve adapted to life in a new country over the past decade. Since moving to the U.S., I’ve seen how strong feelings about language shape the Latinx community.
I’ve spoken with people who feel pressured to speak Spanish to be considered “real” Latinos, while others reject these notions entirely. These experiences have given me a greater understanding of why language matters so much and how deeply it’s tied to identity.
Inclusive Language Policies
Inclusivity should be a core value in educational and workplace settings, especially when it comes to language. Policies should be flexible and adaptive, providing room for discussion and learning without judgment.
It’s important to create environments where everyone feels seen and respected. By prioritizing inclusive language, we foster a culture where people feel valued for who they are.
The Future of Identity and Language
It’s possible that new terms will emerge as our understanding of identity continues to evolve. Language is fluid, and as we strive for greater inclusivity, we may eventually move away from broad labels like Latin American and instead focus on more specific cultural identities.
I find these conversations incredibly interesting and essential for fostering a society where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Whether it’s through language policies in the workplace or everyday interactions, the goal should be to create a more inclusive world where no one feels left behind.
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