Diversity and Inclusion in ELT Materials
Diversity and inclusion help ensure that ELT materials are respectful, balanced, and relevant to learners in different cultural and professional contexts. In publishing, this means using inclusive language, varied names and roles, and visuals that avoid stereotypes or bias.
Aim
Learning materials are used globally, in classrooms and companies with learners from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. Writers must ensure materials are inclusive, representative, and free from stereotypes while staying neutral and professional.
Names and Characters
Use names and characters that reflect international contexts and avoid narrow, stereotypical casting.
- Use a range of names that reflect international contexts (e.g., Anna, Jun, Aisha, Miguel, Fatima, Tom).
- Avoid repeating only English or Western names.
- Ensure gender balance in examples and dialogues (e.g., not all managers male, not all assistants female).
- Represent roles equally — both men and women can be managers, receptionists, or technical experts.
- Be inclusive by showing people in wheelchairs, blind and deaf people, etc.
Roles and Professions
Professional roles in materials should avoid reinforcing outdated stereotypes and show a balanced workplace.
- Avoid reinforcing stereotypes:
✖The secretary is always a woman; the boss is always a man.
✔Male and female colleagues are shown in varied positions (managers, assistants, engineers).
- Include a mix of professional areas (not just “finance” or “tech”).
- Highlight teamwork and collaboration, not only hierarchy.
Cultural Sensitivity
Keep examples neutral and globally relevant, avoiding culturally specific or sensitive topics that may exclude learners.
- Keep examples neutral and globally relevant (avoid culture-specific jokes, politics, or religion — see PARSNIPS).
- Don’t assume shared traditions (e.g., “Everyone celebrates Christmas”).
- When using place names or countries, show positive, professional contexts.
Images and Visuals
Visuals should show realistic diversity in business contexts and avoid tokenistic or outdated imagery.
- Choose visuals that reflect gender, ethnic, and age diversity in business contexts.
- Avoid tokenism (don’t include diversity only for show — it should feel natural).
- Ensure visuals look professional and contemporary (no outdated clothing, technology, or office stereotypes).
Language Use
Writer choices in wording and pronouns should avoid bias and support inclusive, neutral language.
- Avoid language that suggests bias or exclusion.
✖The chairman will decide.
✔The chairperson will decide.
- Be careful with pronouns:
- Use they where gender is not important.
- Only use he/she when the context makes it necessary.
- Avoid idioms or humour based on race, gender, or nationality.
Representation in Tasks
Case studies and role plays should feature varied industries, countries, and people, with authentic inclusion.
- Case studies and role plays should feature a variety of industries, countries, and people.
- Avoid limiting characters by gender, ethnicity, or nationality in predictable roles.
- Make inclusion feel authentic, not forced.
Examples
Use example dialogues to illustrate inclusive and non-inclusive patterns clearly.
✔Good dialogue
Aisha: Hi, I’m a project manager at TechNova.
Jun: Nice to meet you, I’m in the finance team.
Miguel: I work in IT support.
➡ Balanced gender roles, varied names, realistic professional functions.
✖Poor dialogue
Mr. Smith (CEO): Welcome. This is my secretary, Anna.
Anna: Nice to meet you.
➡ Outdated gender stereotype (male boss, female secretary).
Key Takeaway
Diversity and inclusion in materials should be natural (not tokenistic), balanced (names, roles, visuals), and neutral and professional (no stereotypes, no cultural bias). This ensures materials are relevant, respectful, and usable in any international business context.