In this article we'll consider:
What is conscious language?
Why be mindful of it in fiction?
Tips for using conscious language in your stories
Examples of conscious language in fiction
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First a disclaimer
I'll be perfectly honest with you, I dithered about writing this article, what it should include, and how it should be presented. I've been a book lover all my life, and my passion for books derives mostly from what I've always perceived to be their freedom. That is, the freedom of the writer to explore creativity and at the same time show us their truths - and the freedom of the reader to choose which books to read, and what, if anything, to take from them.
I'm fortunate enough to live in a country that doesn't restrict that freedom (let them try; I'm too far gone for that!), and I would sooner give up books altogether than tell you - wonderful, inspiring, life-affirming writers who I'm incredibly grateful for - what to write or how to write it. So please understand that is not this article's intention. You must express yourself in the way you know how, and feel compelled to do.
However, our language - like our society and culture - is ever fluid and changing. This article is for those who wish to be mindful of those changes, and the effect word choice can have on readers.
Introduction
Your words have the power to transport readers to new environments, introduce them to complex characters, and illuminate life's experiences. Yet with this power can come great responsibility.
Conscious language, a mindful approach to word choice and representation, has become important for writers seeking to create narratives that resonate authentically with all readers. By embracing conscious language, you avoid harmful stereotypes and foster a more inclusive literary landscape, ensuring your stories uplift rather than undermine the rich diversity of human experience.
What is conscious language?
It can be easy for writers to forget that language plays a critical role not just in conveying narratives but also in shaping perspectives. With language at your disposal, you wield a powerful tool that can either reinforce harmful stereotypes or foster inclusivity and understanding. And this is where conscious language comes into play.
It involves making deliberate choices to avoid perpetuating stereotypes, biases, and discrimination. It's about being mindful of how your language impacts others, especially those from marginalized communities. This means developing characters, settings, and dialogue that reflect a respectful and nuanced understanding of diverse experiences.
Here's where it influences your writing or editing process:
Representation matters: Fiction often mirrors reality, and accurate, respectful representation can validate the experiences of marginalized groups. It can also broaden the perspectives of readers.
Authenticity: Conscious language enhances the authenticity of your characters and real-world settings, making your stories more believable and engaging.
Ethical responsibility: It could be argued that writers with stories in the public domain have a responsibility to their readers to challenge harmful norms and promote inclusivity through their work.
Tips for using conscious language in your stories
Let's be clear. Writers are a good bunch. When you write, your intention is to engage readers, not alienate them or inadvertently compound inappropriate language or stereotypes. So what steps can you take to ensure you remain informed?
Research thoroughly: Understand the cultures, identities, and experiences you are writing about. Engage with primary sources, consult with members of the community, and read widely from authors within that community.
Avoid stereotypes: Stereotypes reduce characters to oversimplified and often harmful clichés. Strive to create multi-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations.
Use inclusive pronouns: Respect characters’ gender identities by using appropriate pronouns. This includes using singular "they", or neopronouns, for non-binary characters.
Be mindful of descriptions: When describing characters, avoid defaulting to white or Western-centric standards of beauty and behaviour. Also, be cautious of exoticizing or othering non-Western cultures.
Consider context: Language that is appropriate in one context may be harmful in another. Be aware of historical and cultural sensitivities and adjust your wording accordingly.
Dialogue authenticity: Ensure the language used by your characters reflects their background and identity authentically. However, avoid appropriating dialects or accents in a way that may come across as mocking or reductive.
Seek feedback: Engage readers from the communities you are writing about. They can provide invaluable insights and help you avoid unintentional harm.
Examples of conscious language in fiction
Character naming: When naming characters, consider the cultural significance and avoid names that are stereotypical or used in a derogatory manner.
Addressing ableism: Use language that does not define characters solely by their disabilities or present them as victims. For example, instead of "wheelchair-bound", perhaps "wheelchair user".
Gender equality: Avoid stereotyping gender, and steer clear of unintentionally attaching gender to occupations that were once previously considered gendered; for example, rather than male nurse, female pilot, male receptionist - simply nurse, pilot, receptionist.
Cultural sensitivity: When depicting rituals, traditions, or cultural practices, do so with respect and accuracy, avoiding any exoticization or trivialization.
Finally...
Using conscious language in contemporary fiction is not about limiting creativity, but rather enhancing the depth and authenticity of your storytelling.
You don’t need to constrict your writing, your characters, or your storylines - naturally, some characters may inherently be unaware of inclusive language and others may be blatantly offensive, depending on your story - but as the writer you may wish to be mindful of unintentional harmful wording. More often these days, your editor will likely flag anything they perceive could be problematic for the audience you're writing for.
Remember, language will continue to change and evolve as our cultures do. Don't fret. Simply stay open to feedback, be willing to make changes, and keep striving to write the stories you wish to tell.
For a plethora of resources on the topic of conscious language, I highly recommend Karen Yin's Conscious Style Guide.
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Tina Williams of Fiction Yogi is a copyeditor and proofreader who works with writers at all stages, giving them the tools to improve their manuscript and level up their writing so they can meet their publishing goals.
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