The document discusses the importance of inclusive language in translation and interpreting. It addresses how language can empower or oppress marginalized groups, and calls for prioritizing fluidity, respect and identity when developing inclusive language guidelines. While some guides exist, implementation is inconsistent and intersectional identities are often not represented. The author advocates using cross-language criteria that make space for all.

1. Making space for equality
and inclusiveness in
translation and
interpreting
by Begoña Martínez Pagán
IAPTI Conference, Valencia 2018

2. Do we believe that
language can change
the world?

3. And…
can (we) the world
change
language?

4. As translators and interpreters, we are often sure that
we can think
stuff we have
no words
for…
just yet.

5. Language should be
a tool
for freedom,
not a
cage.

6. “Not sexist”
is not good enough.
Language
should
empower.

7. Intersectionality
[Image source: Nona92, Wikipedia]

8. [Image source: Nona92, Wikipedia]
● Male
● White
● European in origin
● Heterosexual
● Able-bodied
● Credentialed,
highly literate
● With gender
● Young
● Attractive
● Upper/upper
middle class
● Anglophone
● Light, pale
● Majority religion
● Fertile

9. [Image source: Nona92, Wikipedia]
● Male
● White
● European in origin
● Heterosexual
● Able-bodied
● Credentialed,
highly literate
● With gender
● Young
● Attractive
● Upper/upper
middle class
● Anglophone
● Light, pale
● Majority religion
● Fertile
CLASSIFIED
STANDARD

10. [Image source: Nona92, Wikipedia]
● Gender “deviant”,
intersex
● Female
● People of color
● Non European
● Lesbian, gay, bisexual,
asexual, arromantic
● Differently abled
● Uncredentialed, non
● Old
● Unattractive
● Working class/poor
● English as second
language (no English!)
● Dark
● Minority/no religion
● Non fertile

11. [Image source: Nona92, Wikipedia]
● Gender “deviant”,
intersex
● Female
● People of color
● Non European
● Lesbian, gay, bisexual,
asexual, arromantic
● Differently abled
● Uncredentialed, non
● Old
● Unattractive
● Working class/poor
● English as second
language (no English!)
● Dark
● Minority/no religion
● Non fertile
CLASSIFIED
“OTHER”

12. Have you ever read / used /
written one?
How do these guides and studies impact
translation and interpreting in practice?
INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE GUIDES

13. CONSISTENCY FOR
CONSISTENCY’S SAKE?

14. A foolish consistency is the
hobgoblin of little minds.
–Emerson

15. “It’s better to
light a candle
than to curse
the darkness”
Often quoted at Amnesty
International (also, check
out their logo next time
you see it: it is a candle).
All AI Materials
© Amnesty International, used for
illustration purposes, I am in no way
representing AI.

16. When those who
should set an
example often
need a poke with
the clue stick.

17. SPAIN
SETS A BAD EXAMPLE with
Sexismo lingüístico
y visibilidad de la mujer
written by Ignacio Bosque,
signed by the RAE in March 2012.

18. What is it?
A rough, poorly argued comparison of
nine Spanish* inclusive language guides.
—
* (Spanish for Spain only).

19. PS:
Still no “official”
statements on the
lack of visibility of
any other genders.

20. So, which
cross-language
criteria could we
use?

21. I propose:
—Fluidity
—Respect
—Identity

22. FLUIDITY

23. RESPECT

24. IDENTITY

25. What do
clients think?

26. The dieting app
that had a
gender setting.

27. In the booth: an NGO
full of empowered
women using inclusive
language.

28. The UN has its
own guides.
http:/
/www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/a
ttachments/sections/library/gender-inclusive%20lan
guage/guidelines-on-gender-inclusive-language-es.p
df?la=es&vs=905

29. Are we
making space
for this?

30. Good tools
in bad hands

32. Delegate Danica Roem,
Photo: Photo: The Victory Fund

33. TRADE-OFFS

34. My humble
translation:

35. The art of
disrespect

36. /
/ FOR THE LOLZ /
/
Respectfully
disrespectful:
can we insult people without
making it worse for those
already oppressed?

38. CONCLUSIONS:
Is it ethical to
do nothing?

39. ¡Gracias!
Thank you!

40. Let’s continue this conversation at:
@minibego
bmartinez@um.es