How Evolving Languages Lead to a More Inclusive World
Language is a living, breathing thing - it evolves with us, shaping how we connect with each other and make sense of the world. But it’s not just a one-way influence; the way we connect, the conversations we have, and the ways we navigate the world also shape language in return. It’s a constant exchange, a reflection of our shared experiences and evolving understanding of the world around us. Words come and go, meanings change and sometimes, entire ways of speaking shift completely, but this continuous development is never random - it happens because people, communities and entire cultures change too. When we embrace these changes, we make space for more of us to express ourselves in ways that feel true, and put words to experiences that might have once been unspoken.
Think about words like “selfie” or “streaming” – a few decades ago, these weren’t even part of our vocabulary, yet today they’ve become second nature. Language, like everything else, adapts to the times, reflecting the shifts in our culture. For many, conversations about gender have been confined to two categories – “men” and “women” – but this binary isn’t a universal experience. In many cultures and languages around the world, gender has always been seen as a broader spectrum, with countless Indigenous communities recognizing and respecting a more fluid, nuanced understanding of gender for centuries. As more people share their personal stories and challenge these binary limitations, we’re expanding our collective understanding of gender and opening up new ways to embrace and celebrate the richness of human experiences.
These changes aren’t making language more complicated - it’s making it more accurate. When we update how we talk about things, we reflect what’s actually going on. But when it comes to languages like French and Spanish, things get a bit more complex. In these languages, gender isn’t just reflected in a few words – it’s woven into the very structure. Every noun carries a gender, and the grammar follows these patterns. As our understanding of gender expands, languages like these face a unique challenge: How can they evolve to include the richness and diversity of gender identities without losing the core structure of the language?
As we explore these questions, it’s clear that language is so much more than simple communication - it’s about connection too. It’s a tool that allows us to share experiences, ask questions, and build a clearer picture of the world. But as our understanding of gender grows, it becomes evident that we also need resources that help us navigate these changes, especially when it comes to gender inclusivity. These resources need to be accessible, resonating with people across different languages and cultures, so everyone can participate in these conversations in a way that feels true to them.
Language shapes the way we understand the world, and when conversations about gender are only accessible in certain languages, not everyone gets to be part of them. If we want to create spaces where more people can explore, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions about gender diversity, we need to make sure the resources are available in ways that feel natural and accessible to them.
That’s why we’re so excited that our Gender Diversity Basics course is now available in Spanish, alongside the English and French versions we’ve already been offering. Expanding into more languages isn’t just about translation - it’s about making sure more people, in more places, have access to learning that fosters inclusion. Because language shouldn’t be a barrier to understanding. When people can learn in their own language, they can participate fully, bring these conversations into their workplaces and communities, and help shape a more inclusive future.
Language, like our understanding of gender, is always evolving. And as we continue to adapt, we’re committed to making sure that as many people as possible have the tools to navigate these conversations with confidence - wherever they are, and in whatever language feels most like home.