Concomitant Research on the Language Guide of the Nationa

Project lead
Prof. Dr. Gundula Gwenn Hiller
Prof. Dr. M. Tuan Nguyen

Project duration
2024 – 2025

Research project at the University of Applied Labour Studies: Can the BA language guide serve as a tool for more fairness in society?

The role of language in the promotion of fairness and equality in society is of extreme importance today. Linguistic research shows that language influences how we think and act and can therefore be decisive in achieving equalitiy at work. This is particularly relevant for authorities like the National Employment Agency, which works with people from social levels, educational backgrounds and cultures that could not be more different, every day. Against this backdrop, Prof. Dr. Gundula Gwenn Hiller and M. Tuan Nguyen examine how the implementation of a diversity-sensitive language guide can be successful at the authorities.

While doing so, the responsible persons concentrate on the institutional implementation and reception of the new National Employment Agency language guide among career counsellors, especially with regard to gender-sensitive language.

As part of the study, a pilot survey was already conducted with help of HdBA students. Initial results imply that there are considerable resistance to changes in language habits. Making a language guide will most probably simply not be enough to overcome these obstacles. It rather suggests that a far-reaching understanding and continual analysis will be necessary to be able to make any real changes, particularly concerning gender sensibility.

For the next phase of the study, the team has planned a comprehensive survey of 500 National Employment Agency career counsellors. The goal is to create a detailed picture of the reactions to the introduction of diversity-sensitive language guidelines and to derive realistic recommendations for their further development, but also for the diversity sensibility of the institution.

The findings so far suggest that the introduction of diversity-sensitive language and the reaction of the employees could have far-reaching implications for the whole organisation. This concerns not only the National Employment Agency but all institutions and companies that intend to support more fairness and equality in society. Insights gained from this study could also serve as a basis for other organisations for the development of Human Resources policies.

The University of Applied Labour Studies is actively committed to transferring academic findings into practice and to contributing to promoting equal opportunities in the workplace using innovative approaches. This research project is a further step in this direction and illustrates the central role that language plays in the structuring of a fair, equal society.

We are happy to answer any questions and provide further information. Prof. Dr. Gundula Gwenn Hiller, project lead, is the main contact person for this project. You can reach her on gundula-gwenn.hiller(at)hdba.de.