The following tips allow for challenging common perceptions while increasing inclusivity in language. However, Oxfam reminds that, in any case, the main guiding principle remains to be informed by how people wish to be referred to. Language should always be context and audience-specific.

DISABILITY, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

• Not having a disability is not generally acknowledged as a privilege but is frequently assumed to be a norm. To challenge this aspect, try avoiding the terms “normal, healthy, able-bodied”.
• Avoid the term “special needs” as many people consider it offensive because it highlights the social stigma.

GENDER JUSTICE/SOCIAL JUSTICE

• Avoid the term "care burden," which undermines the value of care work. Instead, use "care workload" to emphasize the importance of improving and increasing care quality.
• Replace "decent work" with "dignified work" to convey respect for workers as human being, and not only means of production.
• Avoid framing activities solely for practical purposes, such as presenting women's economic justice only as a means to economic growth.
• Refrain from using terms like "prostitute" or "prostitution." Use "sex workers" instead.
• Do not refer to "poor people" which implies poverty is inherent. Instead, refer to “people experiencing poverty”.
• Labelling groups as "minorities" reinforces their position as “others” and implies vulnerability. Use more inclusive language.
• Recognize and address heteronormativity which is tied to patriarchal norms and gendered expectations. Define these terms to your audience to ease understanding.
• The term "sanitary products" implies menstruation is unclean. Use neutral terms like "menstrual products" to avoid reinforcing stigma.

MIGRATION, RACE, POWER, DECOLONIALISATION

• Avoid the term “illegal immigrants” since only actions are illegal and not people. Emphasize the humanity and complex circumstances of individuals without using dehumanizing language.
• Avoid "mixed race" as it aligns with the concept of a "pure race".
• Avoid "empowerment" because individuals already possess power this is not something that can be given to them by others.
• Avoid "developed/developing country" which ignore internal inequalities in “developed countries” and the unequal systems hindering development.
• Do not treat people experiencing homelessness as a homogenous group. Write about them with sensitivity and respect. Avoid the term "the homeless".
• Use "informal economy" rather than “black market” to avoid negative connotations and provide a clear, accurate description.
• Avoid "ethnic minority" and prefer "minority ethnic" to emphasize context-specific minority status rather than implying the ethnicity itself is a minority.
• Avoid "vulnerable people" since individuals are not inherently vulnerable; they are in vulnerable situations due to systemic issues rather than individual deficiencies.
• Avoid "giving a voice to" recognising that people already have a voice and that you can only provide support.