How Filipino writers see gender-fair language: Does it matter in professional English use?

What is it about?

Gender-fair language (GFL) means using words that don’t favor one gender over another. It’s a way of speaking and writing that tries to be more inclusive and avoid gender bias. More people are starting to recognize the importance of GFL in different settings. However, we still don’t know much about how Filipinos feel about using GFL at work. This study looks at what Filipino professional writers who use English think about GFL. This topic hasn’t been studied much, especially in countries like the Philippines where cultural norms can be more traditional. I gathered insights from 34 writers through a survey, and 10 of them also joined follow-up email interviews. The results show that while many see GFL as a good step toward social change, its use depends on certain situations. Writers are more likely to use GFL when they feel confident, are aware of its importance, support gender equality, and want to grow professionally. But some things get in the way—like cultural beliefs, language difficulties, and the lack of clear guidelines or tools for using GFL properly.

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Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is the first to explore how Filipino professional writers in English perceive and use gender-fair language (GFL) in the workplace—a topic rarely addressed in the Philippine context. At a time when inclusive language is gaining global attention, this research fills a critical gap by showing how cultural values, professional roles, and personal beliefs shape GFL use in a predominantly conservative society. It sheds light on both the drivers and barriers to inclusive communication, offering practical insights that can guide policy, training, and editorial standards in the Philippines and beyond.

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