The last couple of years have seen a greater emphasis on how we refer to and write about cultural identity in a wonderfully diverse country such as the U.S. In this discussion, we’ll share some current style guidance you can consider.<\/p>\n
When we seek reinforcement for certain style items at GrammarBook.com, we most often refer to The Associated Press Stylebook\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0The Chicago Manual of Style.<\/em> For questions of cultural identity, we lean even more toward AP’s lead, as their style applies to daily communications such as newspapers, magazines, and social media.<\/p>\n Concerning writing about identity, we also agree with AP’s observation this year that:<\/p>\n “reporting and writing about issues involving race calls for thoughtful consideration, precise language, and discussions with others of diverse backgrounds whenever possible about how to frame coverage or what language is most appropriate, accurate and fair.<\/p>\n “Avoid broad generalizations and labels; race and ethnicity are one part of a person’s identity. Identifying people by race and reporting on actions that have to do with race often go beyond simple style questions, challenging journalists to think broadly about racial issues before having to make decisions on specific situations and stories.<\/p>\n “In all coverage \u2026 strive to accurately represent the world, or a particular community, and its diversity through the people you quote and depict in all formats. Omissions and lack of inclusion can render people invisible. Be aware that some words and phrases that seem innocuous to one group can carry negative connotations. \u2026 As with all news coverage, be sensitive to your varied audiences and their different perceptions of language and the larger world.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n With that in mind, here is how AP currently treats references to cultural identity:<\/p>\n American Indians, Native Americans<\/strong>\u00a0When referring to two or more people of different tribal affiliations in the U.S., both can be acceptable terms (no hyphen). For individuals, use the name of the tribe; if that information is not immediately available, try to obtain it.\u00a0He is a Navajo commissioner. She is a member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. <\/em>Avoid words such as wampum<\/em>, warpath<\/em>, powwow<\/em>, teepee<\/em>, brave<\/em>, and squaw<\/em>.<\/p>\n In Alaska, the Indigenous groups are collectively known as Alaska Natives.<\/p>\n Asian American<\/strong>\u00a0This term (no hyphen) is acceptable for an American of Asian descent. When possible, refer to a person’s country of origin or follow the person’s preference: e.g., Filipino American<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0Indian American<\/em>.<\/p>\n Black<\/strong>\u00a0Treat it as a proper adjective and not as a proper singular noun in a racial, ethnic, or cultural sense: Black artists, Black universities.<\/em> AP’s reasoning is that language in the U.S. has evolved to recognize Black <\/em>as a descriptor that reflects a shared culture and identity as opposed to a skin color alone, and capitalized proper treatment conveys that distinction.<\/p>\n African American<\/em> (no hyphen) is also acceptable within the U.S. Note that Black<\/em> and African American<\/em> are not always interchangeable. For example, Americans of Caribbean heritage may refer to themselves as Caribbean American<\/em>.<\/p>\n The Chicago Manual of Style<\/em> entry 8.38 adds that “Black<\/em>\u00a0is increasingly capitalized when referring to racial or ethnic identity. As a matter of editorial consistency, similar terms such as\u00a0White<\/em>\u00a0may also be capitalized when used in this sense. Usage varies according to context, however, and individual preferences should be respected.”<\/p>\n brown <\/strong>Because interpretations of what the descriptive adjective includes vary widely, avoid using it in racial, ethnic, or cultural references unless as part of a direct quotation.<\/p>\n Chicano<\/strong>\u00a0Some Mexican Americans in the U.S. Southwest may use this term to describe their heritage. We should refer to it in formal writing only if it is a person’s preference.<\/p>\n Hispanic<\/strong> This proper adjective might describe a person from\u2014or whose ancestors were from\u2014a Spanish-speaking land or culture. In writing, usage should follow the person’s preference, and we should aim for a more-specific identification when possible: Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican American<\/em>.<\/p>\n Indian<\/strong>\u00a0This proper adjective is used to describe the peoples and cultures of the South Asian nation of India. We would not use the term as a shortening of American Indian<\/em>.<\/p>\n Latino, Latina<\/strong>\u00a0This is often the preferred noun or adjective for a person from, or whose ancestors were from, a Spanish-speaking land or culture or from Latin America.\u00a0As with Hispanics,<\/em>\u00a0we should use a more-specific identification when possible (e.g., Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican American<\/em>).<\/p>\n Orient, Oriental<\/strong>\u00a0We would not use these terms when referring to East Asian nations and their peoples.\u00a0Asian<\/em>\u00a0is acceptable for an inhabitant of those regions.<\/p>\n white<\/strong> Extensive research and dialogue conducted both globally and domestically by The Associated Press revealed a prevailing preference to use white<\/em> (lowercase) as an adjectival cultural identifier. It would not be used as a proper singular noun.<\/p>\n At present AP does not use Caucasian<\/em> as a synonym for white<\/em>, unless it is in a direct quotation.<\/p>\n Concerning AP’s stance on white<\/em>, at GrammarBook.com we typically favor consistency whenever possible (e.g.,\u00a0Black and White women, black and white women<\/em>), but we do understand and acknowledge the preference of some to identify different cultural identities even more distinctly.<\/p>\n If a reference to cultural identity is ever in doubt or unclear, we would suggest consulting a stylebook such as AP or CMOS and choosing the style that best suits your audience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The last couple of years have seen a greater emphasis on how we refer to and write about cultural identity in a wonderfully diverse country such as the U.S. In this discussion, we’ll share some current style guidance you can consider. 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