Exploring Techniques to Detect and Mitigate Non-Inclusive Language Bias in Marketing Communications Using a Dictionary-Based Approach

Proceedings of Recent Advances in Natural Language Processing, pages 918–925 Varna, Sep 4–6, 2023 https://doi.org/10.26615/978-954-452-092-2_099 918 Exploring Techniques to Detect and Mitigate Non-Inclusive Language Bias in Marketing Communications using a Dictionary-Based Approach Bharathi Raja Chakravarthi1, Prasanna Kumar Kumaresan1, Rahul Ponnusamy 1, John P McCrae1, Michaela Comerford2, Jay Megaro2, Deniz Keles2, Last Feremenga2 1 Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University of Galway, Ireland 2FMR LLC, Boston, USA, {bharathi.raja,prasanna.kumaresan,john.mccrae}@insight-centre.org {michaela.comerford,jay.megaro,deniz.keles,last.feremennga}@fmr.com Abstract We propose a new dataset for detecting non- inclusive language in sentences in English. These sentences were gathered from public sites, explaining what is inclusive and what is non-inclusive. We also extracted potentially non-inclusive keywords/phrases from the guide- lines from business websites. A phrase dic- tionary was created by using an automatic ex- tension with a word embedding trained on a massive corpus of general English text. In the end, a phrase dictionary was constructed by hand-editing the previous one to exclude in- appropriate expansions and add the keywords from the guidelines. In a business context, the words individuals use can significantly impact the culture of inclusion and the quality of in- teractions with clients and prospects. Knowing the right words to avoid helps customers of dif- ferent backgrounds and historically excluded groups feel included. They can make it easier to have productive, engaging, and positive com- munications. You can find the dictionaries, the code, and the method for making requests for the corpus at (we will release the link for data and code once the paper is accepted). 1 Introduction Language evolves, and appropriate terminology changes as culture and society shift. Using inclu- sive language fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging, helps to create an environment where people of all experiences and backgrounds feel welcome, and reduces negative stereotypes1. It supports a customer-centric approach by assisting firms in recognizing and connecting with internal and external customers with the utmost respect and kindness. 1https://www.fidelity.com/ about-fidelity/our-company/ diversityandinclusion Language has the potential to divide people and in academia, industry, and other communities, this has become intensely evident Blodgett et al. (2020). Some firmly identify with a conventional idea of gender bias, while others take a broader approach, focusing on principles of inclusivity of all bodies and genders Cao and Daum´e III (2020); Lauscher et al. (2022). There’s a lot to be gained from tak- ing an aerial view, one that examines the worth of all points of view, as well as the potential harm and missed opportunities that result from a lack of regard for or value for difference. Inclusive lan- guage takes into account not only gender, but also age, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, dis- ability, and health status Lauring and Klitmøller (2017). We may unintentionally exclude or offend oth- ers if we lack information about and sensitivity to certain words or phrases. Being aware and mindful of our written and oral communications can help create and nurture a supportive and inclusive envi- ronment. A few main areas of preferred language and terminology include race and ethnicity, people …

Content truncated to 500 words