Words of Empire: Time to Rethink Language
Language is more than communication—it is a reflection of history, culture, and power.
I was reminded of this as I interviewed someone for my Trellis podcast, Bad@ss Women in Climate. I consider this woman to be incredibly progressive in her thinking and careful about language. She used the term “developing world”. I, too, use this phrase without a thought, but during this conversation, it gave me pause. It occurred to me that we don’t often think about word origins or how this one separates the world into “developed” and “developing” and the oft-hidden agenda of Empire.
Many words and phrases we use today carry the weight of imperial and colonial legacies and often perpetuate hierarchies and biases. As politics and world events seem to be moving us away from inclusivity and attention to language, I hope in my optimistic heart that these are the final death throes of insensitivity and greed. And, as we move society (hopefully) toward greater inclusion, it is the perfect time to examine our terms and adopt alternatives that better reflect equitable human values.
Words Matter
Language shapes perception. Words rooted in colonial or imperial histories reinforce stereotypes and marginalize communities even without the speaker intending to do so. For instance, terms like "civilized" or "developed countries" imply a hierarchy of progress based on Western standards, dismissing the richness and complexity of other cultures and societies. Phrases like "industrious" can be tied to colonial narratives of labor exploitation or productivity as a measure of worth. But what should we use instead? I asked Perplexity to help me find out.
Problematic Terms
1. Civilized / Uncivilized
Why it's problematic: These terms stem from colonial ideologies that positioned European cultures as superior to others, labeling Indigenous or non-Western societies as "savage" or "uncivilized."
Alternatives: Use "culturally distinct," "diverse societies," or describe specific traits without value judgments (e.g., "urbanized," "technologically advanced").
2. Developed / Developing Countries
Why it's problematic: This binary reinforces a Western-centric view of progress, implying that countries labeled as "developing" are inferior or incomplete based on industrialization or economic systems.
Alternatives: Use "Global North/Global South," or describe specific contexts such as "economically industrialized nations" or "nations with diverse infrastructures."
3. Industrious
Why it's problematic: Historically, this term was used to justify colonial exploitation by praising labor productivity while ignoring exploitative practices. It also ties human worth to output rather than intrinsic value.
Alternatives: Use neutral descriptors like "dedicated," "resilient," or context-specific terms (e.g., "skilled artisans").
4. First World / Third World
Why it's problematic: These Cold War-era terms are outdated and hierarchical, with "Third World" often used pejoratively to imply inferiority.
Alternatives: Use "Global North/Global South," or refer to specific regions (e.g., "Sub-Saharan Africa") without generalizations.
5. Tribal
Why it's problematic: Often used to describe Indigenous groups in a way that diminishes their complexity, this term has colonial undertones that reduce vibrant cultures to stereotypes.
Alternatives: Use the name of the specific group (e.g., Maasai, Cherokee) or broader terms like "Indigenous communities" or "traditional societies."
6. Blacklist / Whitelist
Why it's problematic: These terms associate blackness with negativity and whiteness with positivity, reinforcing racial biases embedded in language.
Alternatives: Use neutral terms like "blocklist/allowlist" or "denylist/permitted list."
7. Inner City / Ghetto
Why it's problematic: These terms are often loaded with racial and socioeconomic stereotypes that stigmatize communities rather than recognize their vibrancy and resilience.
Alternatives: Use specific geographic descriptions (e.g., "urban center") or neutral terms like "historically marginalized neighborhoods."
Linguistic Imperialism
Colonialism not only imposes political control but also linguistic dominance. Languages like English, French, and Spanish became tools of empire, displacing Indigenous languages and erasing cultural identities. Indigenous children, for example, were sent to boarding schools where they were not permitted to speak their original language. This phenomenon, termed linguistic imperialism, continues to affect marginalized communities globally.
To counter this legacy:
Embrace multilingualism and support the revitalization of Indigenous languages.
Avoid using colonial languages as default markers of intelligence or sophistication.
Recognize the value of diverse linguistic traditions in shaping global discourse.
A Path Forward
Adopting inclusive language takes awareness, humility, and a willingness to change. As linguist Ai Taniguchi notes, “What you do once you find out a word is harmful carries more importance” than initial ignorance. By listening to marginalized communities and rethinking our vocabulary, we can contribute to dismantling systemic inequities embedded in language.
Language evolves alongside society. By choosing our words to reflect respect and equity rather than imperial legacies, we can take small but significant steps toward a more just world—one where every culture is valued for its humanity rather than measured against imposed ideals.
This article was written by Rebecca Pan in collaboration with Perplexity and this article.