Words Matter: Language and inclusive spaces

Wed Jun 03 2026 at 12:00 pm to 01:30 pm UTC+01:00

De Grey Court, DG/223, York St John University | York

York St John University
Publisher/HostYork St John University
Words Matter: Language and inclusive spaces
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Part of the York Festival of Ideas 2026
About this Event

Why does the way we speak matter? Join us for a panel discussion as we explain and illustrate why language - and the analysis of language - is crucial to creating inclusive spaces for diverse populations. We explore how challenging and offering alternative language practices can be an effective way of achieving more inclusive spaces which value diversity and support positive social change.


Drawing on the work of York St John University’s Centre for Language and Social Justice Research, panel contributors discuss how applied linguistics plays a key role in understanding how to create spaces which feel inclusive to those who inhabit them. Each panel contributor provides concrete examples from their own research of inclusive language practices and explains how such practices promote and enhance inclusive spaces. The spaces discussed include schools, universities, business and workplaces as well as social media and online spaces. Dimensions of inclusion covered in the panel include gender, sexual orientation, language background, dis/ability and race.

Alongside the panel discussion will be a display of posters illustrating some of the inclusive language practices covered in the discussion.


About the speakers:

Daniel Edmondson is a Lecturer in the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research where he is a sociolinguist and psycholinguist with a particular interest in the reclamation of slur words within the LGBTQ+ community, and effects of the same on emotional language processing.

Clare Cunningham is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research where her research interests lie along two social justice-oriented strands, exploring teachers’ attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about multilingualism, and investigating the discourses of young people about the environment and climate change, through qualitative research and econarratives.

Helen Sauntson is a Professor within the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research and her research interests and extensive publications are predominantly situated in the areas of classroom discourse analysis; language, gender and sexuality; language in education; and gender and sexuality in education.


This event is presented by the at York St John University.


Events Access & Inclusivity

At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.


Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive.

As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views.

We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.


Parking

There is no parking for any vehicles on site and ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7.

We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing [email protected].

Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle.


Privacy Policy

York St John University will use the data you submit in Eventbrite for the purposes of administering this event. York St John University utilises third party software for data storage, tracking and analysis activity but your details will not be used by any of these third parties in order to contact you Any data you share with us will be used to help us improve your event experience and for event tracking and analysis activity within the University.

We will only send you important information and reminders related to the event you have booked unless you tell us otherwise. During the booking process, if you opt-in to receive emails about the latest events hosted and supported by York St John University, you consent to York St John University contacting you with relevant information.

If you no longer wish to hear from us you can opt-out at any time by changing your contact preferences via the link in emails you receive from us or by emailing [email protected].

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

De Grey Court, DG/223, York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, United Kingdom

Tickets

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