Has PMI done anything to promote updated language for project managers? Is the lexicon growing/changing to be more inclusive? For example, it seems that it is no longer appropriate to "kill" projects or to have "stand ups". Both of these examples are either potentially triggering or ableist in language. Saving Changes...
Manuel PerezProject Management Coordinator| Las Vegas Valley Water DistrictNorth Las Vegas, Nv, United States
Aug 18, 2022 11:00 AM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
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As a writer, I am very much aware of such movements at the general language level. I am not aware of specific lexicons for industries or professions.
I can see where changing and standardizing the language is proper. Instead of "kill" use "Terminate or End", Instead of "Stand Up" use "Set up", but some terms will be more difficult to replace to encompass the understood meaning such as "stakeholder". Also, no matter how hard you try, any such list will end up be offensive to someone.
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1 reply by Peter Rapin
Sep 07, 2022 5:41 PM
Peter Rapin
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My question is "why are we so easily offended?" Language has a history, it evolves to allow for better communications and understanding. Care should be taken when changing expressions or the application of specific words and phrases for "political correctness".
The word "person" could be considered gender specific because of "son". The name "Henderson" could also be perceived as gender specific and thus only applied to male members of the family, then again "hen" is a female chicken thus making Henderson a conflicted name.
What about the word "female" which suggests a subspecies of male.
Where does one stop with language manipulation for the wrong reasons?
Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
Sep 07, 2022 4:40 PM
Replying to Manuel Perez
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I can see where changing and standardizing the language is proper. Instead of "kill" use "Terminate or End", Instead of "Stand Up" use "Set up", but some terms will be more difficult to replace to encompass the understood meaning such as "stakeholder". Also, no matter how hard you try, any such list will end up be offensive to someone.
My question is "why are we so easily offended?" Language has a history, it evolves to allow for better communications and understanding. Care should be taken when changing expressions or the application of specific words and phrases for "political correctness".
The word "person" could be considered gender specific because of "son". The name "Henderson" could also be perceived as gender specific and thus only applied to male members of the family, then again "hen" is a female chicken thus making Henderson a conflicted name.
What about the word "female" which suggests a subspecies of male.
Where does one stop with language manipulation for the wrong reasons? Saving Changes...
Latha Thamma reddiSr Product and Portfolio Management (Automation Innovation)| DXC TechnologyMckinney, Tx, United States
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has taken steps to promote inclusive language and to update its lexicon for project managers. In 2021, PMI released a new edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which includes updated terminology and language to reflect current best practices and to promote inclusivity.
In particular, PMI has taken steps to eliminate potentially offensive or ableist language from its lexicon. For example, PMI now uses the term "end" or "terminate" instead of "kill" to refer to the conclusion of a project, as the latter term can be seen as violent or insensitive. Additionally, PMI now uses the term "daily stand-up" or simply "stand-up" instead of "daily scrum," as the latter term can be seen as culturally insensitive to some groups.
Overall, PMI is committed to promoting inclusive language and to updating its lexicon to reflect changing attitudes and best practices in the field of project management. Saving Changes...
Manuel PerezProject Management Coordinator| Las Vegas Valley Water DistrictNorth Las Vegas, Nv, United States
I'm just glad that it is only a few more years before retirement. Time to exit the woke workforce. Saving Changes...
