混合工作现在是常态. And with that comes a unique set of challenges to create and nurture a culture that truly values diversity, 公平与包容.
At the centre of building this type of environment is communication. Many of the terms and phrases we use in software engineering (and our everyday lives) can sometimes unintentionally cause offence when used across regions or countries. This type of action can alienate staff, clients or even suppliers. To avoid this and make sure we communicate inclusively there’s several things to keep in mind.
我们如何进行包容的沟通?
Adjusting the way we write and talk to use more inclusive language is crucial for inclusion in our teams. 但它并不止于此, we need to look at the words and phrases we use in our codebase, 文档以及我们如何相互沟通.
想想其他的含义
没有仔细思考我们每天使用的短语, 我们失去了对我们如何给别人带来感觉的更广泛的理解. It’s important to remember that many expressions can have a problematic history or negative connotation for others.
| Non-inclusive语言 | 建议选择 |
| 我们想降低申请者的门槛. | We want to make the process more accessible for all applicants. |
| 我们应该安排一个围攻会议来修复这个bug. | Let’s arrange a collaborative session with the whole team to fix this bug. |
| 将其十大正规博彩网站评级白名单. | 将其添加到允许列表中. |
| 其中一个黑匣子测试失败. | 其中一个功能测试失败. |
避免使用隐喻
Metaphors are a way of comparing one thing to another through symbolism. The type of metaphors we use most often in software engineering are known as dead metaphors.
Dead metaphors are when a phrase has become so common that the symbolism has faded away. The problem with this type of phrase is that the remaining connotations often have undertones that can cause offence.
| Non-inclusive语言 | 建议选择 |
| 使用主分支. | 使用主分支. |
| 主进程创建多个从进程. | 主进程创建多个辅助进程. |
| Etienne是我们的Scrum大师. | Etienne是我们的敏捷教练. |
识别带有社交意味的短语
Avoiding socially-charged language is also important and relies on some knowledge of the terms being used. In these examples, the phrases refer to marginalised communities and cultural hierarchies.
| Non-inclusive语言 | 建议选择 |
| 这是Python的原生特性. | 这是Python的核心特性. |
| 这是一个一等公民. | 这是一个核心概念. |
| 代码库需要一些内务处理. | 代码库需要一些维护. |
调整性别词语
Gendered language is when phrases refer to a single or binary gender. This type of communication is one we see most often in our everyday lives. The most common example of this is the misuse of pronouns to describe someone, 大多数人通常都没有意识到这一点.
| Non-inclusive语言 | 建议选择 |
| 嘿伙计们. | 嘿每个人. |
| 它很容易受到中间人攻击. | 它很容易受到中间机器攻击. |
| 这至少需要4个小时. | 这至少需要4个小时的工作. |
避免使用健康主义短语
Ableism refers to discrimination against people who live with a disability of any kind. Phrases we consider ableist reference disabilities in a negative way, and so it’s important to recognise when we’re using these so we can shift our language.
| Non-inclusive语言 | 建议选择 |
| 让我们快速检查一下. | 让我们快速检查一下. |
| 我们把这个作为一个虚拟值. | 我们把这个放在这里作为占位符值. |
| 发送太多请求可能会使服务瘫痪. | 发送太多请求可能会减慢服务速度. |
取代暴力语言
Traditionally, software engineering has a lot of phrases that suggest violence. When we use this type of language we normalise violence and detract from the real meaning behind a sentence. However unintentionally this could trigger an emotional response in those who’ve experienced violence in the past.
| Non-inclusive语言 | 建议选择 |
| 这个过程还没有结束. | 进程无响应. |
| 我要终止这个过程. | 我要停止这个过程. |
| 当它碰到API时. | 当它调用API时. |
| 我们用斯勒勒的手法. | 我们将使用斯勒勒图模式. |
一个学习社区
Both formal and informal learning sessions are a great way to help people improve their skills and inclusive communication is no different. A short presentation explaining what inclusive and non-inclusive language looks like can help people be more mindful while encouraging discussion.
One type of popular format is known as “Lunch and Learn” sessions, where people come together with their lunch and attend informal learning sessions. This makes sure most members of the team can attend the sessions, which is particularly important when it comes to topics like equity, 多样性和包容性.
在Slack中使用自定义响应的有用提示
当试图改变我们使用语言的习惯时, it’s easy to forget and slip back to what we’re used to saying or doing. Sometimes a little reminder or push in the right direction can prompt us to be mindful.
To automate this we can add custom responses to our messaging platforms. 在松弛, this can be done by adding new responses to the Slackbot in the “Customise your workspace” page.
创造一个有意识的环境
The way we communicate with each other can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. A simple action like using the word “placeholder” instead of “dummy” makes very little impact to the speaker, but could make every difference to the person they’re talking to.
So much of our everyday language is metaphorical, with hidden meanings behind the words we say. It’s these seemingly invisible connotations that impact those around us. You’re never aware of a person’s history or personal connections to everyday phrases so it’s important to build good habits now.
If you want to learn more about how we’re working to create an inclusive environment for everyone at Made Tech, 阅读我们的最新见解 多样性 & 包容. 我们总是愿意听取您的经验和反馈, 如果你想谈谈我们提到的任何事情 请与我们联系.
