4.Q. Workshop: Inclusive and non-discriminatory language and health communication: state, needs, perspectives
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-MIG,   Chair persons: Bernadette Kumar (EUPHA-MIG), Allan Krasnik (Denmark)
Published: October 2023

Language has the potential to cause harm when used unreflectively, e.g. the inaccurate and derogatory/stigmatising term ‘illegal migrant’, the terms ‘second (or third) generation migrant’ emphasising recency or lack of belonging, crude and imprecise descriptive labels such as ‘Blacks’ or ‘Asians’, historic terms such as ‘Oriental’ or ‘Easterner’, and other similar terms impliying second-class or outsider status, such as ‘alien’ or ‘foreigner’ (or indeed, ‘native’ when used to indicate a ‘first nation’ or autochthonous group lacking in status). This applies to everyday life, health care and research. In public health (e.g. in publications and study materials) and in policy and medical guidelines, there is a particular need for risk awareness of the potential for discrimination and stigmatisation through the language and terminology used. The issue has been discussed since the late 1980s and was identified as a clear challenge during the recent COVID-19 pandemic in light of the social and ethnic disparities of risks, incidence and vaccination uptake that were communicated in research, policies and interventions. However, there are only few guidelines or materials to support the responsible use of language. Moreover, reflection on language is often not considered as important as other aspects of public health research and practice. Yet it seems to be a basic requirement for ensuring responsible communication of policies and research results and within the research process itself. After all, classification and accuracy of decriptive terms and analysis categories are quality standards in public health research. In the workshop we will take stock of what has been achieved so far in the field of anti-discriminatory communication and language and what challenges were faced in terms of communicating evidence and policies in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be followed by a presentation of a specific example from the National Public Health Institute in Germany, which has developed a guideline on anti-discriminatory language. The important perspective of community/NGOs will be also included as a presentation. Building on the work of the last decades, the EUPHA conference offers a great opportunity to bring together perspectives and experiences from different researchers, institutions and countries. The workshop takes up the theme at a time when public health research on migrants and refugees is on the rise due to global crises including climate change and war, migratory movements, and the need for awareness and discourse on anti-discrimination and anti-racism within the modern globalised world. As a global public health community, we have a responsibility to shape the public discourse. It is in our hands to continue the discussion and to raise awareness for continuous (self-) reflection, responsible communication and appropriate terminology within the public health community.

Key messages

• The workshop aims to contribute to increased awareness for responsible and discrimination-sensitive language and terminology within the public health community.

• The global public health community has a responsibility to represent the population in its diversity. Reflective, accurate and responsible discrimination-sensitive communication are essential.