The Inclusive Language Field Guide: 6 Simple Principles for Avoiding Painful Mistakes and Communicating Respectfully Paperback – October 3, 2023

Language is always involving and a more digitally-connected world makes linguistic change happen at a break-neck pace. Dr. Wertheim’s book provides an easy to comprehend (ie not bogged down with academic jargon) guide to understanding WHY inclusive language is important and HOW readers can make changes to be more inclusive by default.Dr. Wertheim’s book does not focus on current language norms (since they are bound to change!) so you don’t have to worry about whether terms like “non binary” or “queer” are appropriate if you pick this book up in 5 or 10 years. Instead, the book focuses on better language habits that people can incorporate to be more mindful and respectful when interacting with people from all walks of life.

I purchased the audible version of this book initially because it was our book club’s selection for the monthTo be honest, I wasn’t thrilled with the choice. Insecurity around navigating pronouns and concern over potential flub-ups was already exhausting but now I was going to have to spend hours learning more about my verbal inadequaciesWhat a lovely surprise! This book is so accessible, the author is so kind as she guides you through potential insensitivities. Despite some embarrassing revelations about my own word choices, I am so grateful to have read this book. So grateful, in fact that I bought a hard copy, too. I’ll be giving it as a gift

I think a lot of people are feeling a bit overwhelmed by language evolving, and that it's too hard to keep up with terminology, and are afraid they'll say the "wrong" thing and get cancelled.I like this book because its assumption is simply that you'd like to be respectful of people. And these are the tips to help you do that. It's not a list of good/bad words to memorize; it's why it even matters in the first place. And the author herself talks about mistakes she's made, and will no doubt make in the future. Because language is complex, and we're all human.To me this book is a practical, easy-to-read resource that will make you feel confident in conversations with everyone, and not that you have to be some kind of perfect person.

Language is something humans do, and there's a science for studying it: linguistics. Mostly this science sits, unused, in the ivory tower. Until now.Dr. Wertheim's brilliant, practical field guide is like nothing you've ever read. She steers clear of the usual trap of simple (usually unhelpful) lists of dos and don'ts. Instead, she explains *how* language works *in context*, so that we can understand not only why inclusive language seems so tricky and elusive, but what we can actually do to use language more inclusively.Please, please get this book and read it. And tell everyone else about it. We need more and more folks with the skills you'll gain from the book.

Easy to read and very practical. Suzanne helps readers stay current and relevant in today's very dynamic social environment.

Our book club read this book and had the honor of Susan joining us. We had a very spirited, engaging and informative conversation.

I was so excited to receive my copy of Dr. Suzanne Wertheim’s book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide. Too often, conversations about language focus on just wanting to learn the “correct” word to call something, but those words will likely change just as soon as you learn it. With Wertheim’s six principles of inclusive language, people will understand WHY it is important to always be open to learning new terminology versus just wanting to know WHAT the correct terminology is.

...but by its very nature, the language you use changes over time. This thoughtful tome provides a framework you can use to self-critique today - or a decade from now. I'm eager to share this book with some friends and colleagues who've professed a desire to 'do the work'!