Bias-free communication does not stereotype or discriminate against people with regard to culture, gender, ethnicity, language, or any other criteria. It's about treating everybody in a fair and respectful way.

Visit the Inclusive Language SharePoint by SAP Global Diversity & Inclusion to learn more.

Inclusive Language

SAP is taking a stand against racism, to drive change inside and outside of our organization, to ensure that equality becomes a reality. Unconscious bias, even in the language we use, contributes to everyday discrimination and indignities, and leads to negative emotions and psychological stress. We can create a more inclusive environment by using more inclusive language.

SAP inclusive terminology guidelines explain which terms you should use to replace offensive, biased terms used in the past to describe concepts for computing and software, for example:

<div> <div>Don't say...</div> <div>Instead, say...</div> <div>When you mean…</div> </div> <div> <div>master branch</div> <div>main branch</div> <div>The new default branch in GitHub from release 2.23.x</div> </div>

See Inclusive Language Guidelines and Inclusive Language at SAP.

Gender-Neutral Language

Gender-neutral language, or gender-inclusive language, is language that avoids bias towards a particular sex or social gender.

Use gender-neutral terminology that is not gender-specific to refer to roles or professions. For example, avoid the blanket use of male terms. Consider the following techniques:

<div> <div>Don't say...</div> <div>Instead, say...</div> <div>Option</div> </div> <div> <div>chairman/chairwoman, businessman/businesswoman</div> <div> <p>chairperson,</p> <p>business executive</p> </div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div>After six months, the user will be required to change his password.</div> <div> <p>Change your password.</p> <p>After six months, you will be required to change your password.</p> </div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div>The user must enter a password. He needs to remember that password for the next page.</div> <div>Users must enter a password. They need to remember that password for the next page.</div> <div><strong>Use the third person plural</strong></div> </div>

See Gender and Gender-Neutral Language in the and Gender-Neutral Language in .

Culturally Neutral Terms

Use culturally neutral terms. Do not make references to specific religions or holidays.

Be careful with symbols, images, and colors. They may have different meanings in the different cultures.

See Culture in the .