Good new about inclusive language in France

When I was stuck in bed with Covid, some interesting news came out about inclusive language in France. The Conseil d’État (France’s highest administrative court) made two important points:

– Inclusive language is part of the French language.

– Inclusive language is not, in itself, a political stance.

Let that sink in for a moment. What does it actually mean?

– People do understand inclusive French.

– Using inclusive language does not automatically make you “woke.”

– It’s a linguistic practice, not a partisan statement.

For brands and organisations, this matters. Because inclusive language isn’t just a social debate, it’s also a communication strategy.

Here’s why it can be good for your brand:

– It signals awareness and modernity: language evolves, and brands that evolve with it show they’re paying attention.

– It strengthens credibility with younger audiences: gen Z and younger millennials expect brands to reflect social realities, not ignore them.

– It increases audience reach: when more people see themselves represented in your communication, engagement grows.

– It aligns internal and external values: if your organisation talks about diversity, equity and inclusion internally, your language should reflect that externally.

– It reduces reputational risk: exclusion, even unintended, can damage trust, and inclusive language is a proactive approach.

And ultimately, communication is about connection.

The question is no longer “Is inclusive language legitimate?” The Conseil d’État has clarified that.

The real question is: How do you want your audience to feel when they read your content?

If you’re thinking about making your communication more inclusive (without sacrificing clarity or credibility), I’d be happy to talk about it.