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English vocabulary has been changing for centuries. Language from the Middle Ages is difficult to understand today. The charity Oxfam has issued a guide suggesting more changes. Oxfam considers English to be, "the language of a colonising nation". Its 92-page "Inclusive Language Guide" aims "to decolonise our ways of working and shift power". The guide advises charity workers on the use of language "to feel empowered to be inclusive in their work".
Oxfam works to reduce poverty in 80 countries. It says English is the dominant language used by its workers in ex-British colonies. The guide is to help workers communicate in English "as part of a colonial legacy". The guide focuses on inclusivity for the disabled, the LGBTQIA+ community, and refugees. It suggests avoiding "colonial" words like "mankind". It said this word can be patriarchal. People can misunderstand it "as only referring to men".
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