Google is getting set to roll out a new feature to its Google Docs platform that will push users to write with more inclusive language.
The new assistive writing feature will be included on shared documents, prompting users to make their language more “inclusive.” An example of more inclusive language would be using the word “chair” or “chairperson” instead of using “chairman.”
The feature will also offer alternatives to sentences, including changing a sentence such as “before launch, give everything a final sanity-check” to “before launch, give everything a final check for completeness and clarity.”
Another suggested edit includes using the sentence “equipment installation takes around 16 person-hours to complete” in place of “equipment installation takes around 16 man-hours to complete.”
The changes will be included in Smart Canvas, a collaboration tool for Google Workspace that is meant to bring Docs, Sheets, and Slides together efficiently.
The new features are set to roll out over the rest of 2021, while the company has already updated its developer style guide to ensure more “inclusive” language.
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“When trying to achieve a friendly and conversational tone, problematic ableist language might slip in,” the updated style guide reads. “This can come in the form of figures of speech and other turns of phrase. Be sensitive to your word choice, especially when aiming for an informal tone. Ableist language includes words or phrases such as crazy, insane, blind to or blind eye to, cripple, dumb, and others. Choose alternative words depending on the context.”
