International Research Network “Language and Gender: Academic Research and Practical Implementation”
Dr Falco Pfalzgraf
Please outline the work you lead and how it relates to progressing gender equality
I lead the International Research Network “Language and Gender: Academic Research and Practical Implementation”, a global initiative uniting academics and practitioners to advance gender equality through language. Originating from the 2022 conference “Attitudes towards Gender-Inclusive Language: A Multinational Perspective” (33 papers presented by 46 speakers based in 17 countries, to 192 participants based in 36 countries) at QMUL, the network fosters interdisciplinary, multilingual dialogue to address the societal impact of gendered language. Through a series of international conferences and workshops, the project promotes conceptual clarity, shares best practices, and supports the practical implementation of inclusive language across diverse sectors.
My work foregrounds the intersectionality of gender with linguistic, cultural, and professional diversity, engaging voices across 15+ languages and regions. My leadership champions inclusive strategies that uplift not only women but also transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. The network’s voluntary model and global scope reflect a commitment to equity, accessibility, and collaborative knowledge exchange. It actively challenges exclusionary norms and fosters systemic change in language use, contributing meaningfully to gender equality worldwide.
What has inspired and motivated you to progress this work?
My work on language and gender is driven by a strong commitment to social justice and a hope that language can foster equity. I am motivated by the understanding that gendered language can reinforce inequality, while inclusive language has the potential to support visibility, dignity, and fairness for women as well as transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. I am passionate about bridging academic research with practical application, ensuring that theory contributes to real-world impact; whether in policy, institutions, or everyday communication.
Creating an international, interdisciplinary network was inspired by my belief in the strength of diverse voices and collaboration across cultures and sectors. Even without external funding, I chose to continue this work, driven by conviction rather than convenience. In the hope that language can shape thought and behaviour, I remain committed to using research, dialogue, and implementation to promote lasting, systemic change toward greater gender equality.
How do you hope that this work will make a difference to promote gender equality and have you seen any impact so far?
I hope my work on language and gender contributes to lasting structural change by embedding inclusive language in education, policy, and professional practice. Through the international research network I lead, I aim to support practitioners, educators, and policymakers in adopting inclusive linguistic frameworks that reflect and promote gender equality. I hope inclusive language can affirms the identities and rights of all gender-diverse individuals. I also seek to foster intersectional, cross-cultural dialogue that challenges monolingual and Eurocentric norms in gender discourse.
Signs of impact are already visible. Municipalities have introduced gender-inclusive signage, university curricula have been revised, and interpreting standards have evolved. My work has also shaped teacher training, advocacy initiatives, and health communication across several countries. This growing international engagement suggests that the network is contributing meaningfully to systemic and sustainable change.
What did you enjoy most about this piece of work and do you have any plans going forward?
What I have enjoyed most about this work is building a global, interdisciplinary community committed to inclusive language. Bringing together academics and practitioners from over 40 countries and 15+ languages has been deeply rewarding, facilitating meaningful exchanges that bridge research and real-world impact. I have particularly valued seeing theoretical work translated into practical change. Creating space for intersectional, marginalised voices in language and gender discourse has been both fulfilling and necessary. I have also taken pride in the network’s resilience: continuing successfully despite funding challenges speaks to our shared commitment.
Looking ahead, I hope to expand our focus to include the growing backlash against inclusive language, supporting colleagues in navigating resistance. I also plan to deepen the network’s intersectional lens, seek funding to sustain our work, and develop further support for implementation. The goal remains systemic change, rooted in collaboration and inclusivity.
Please share any publications or resources from your work that would like to highlight
My edited volume Public Attitudes Towards Gender-Inclusive Language. A Multilingual Perspective was published in 2024 by De Gruyter Mouton, as number 31 in their series “Language and Social Life [LSL]”, ISBN 9783111201252.
My edited volume Gender-neutral, Gender-fair, Gender-inclusive. Towards Conceptual Clarity across European Languages is due for publication in August 2025 (Palgrave Studies in Language, Gender and Sexuality), ISBN 9783031912306.
My edited volume Gender-inclusive language. Findings from 14 languages and open research questions has been accepted for publication by De Gruyter Mouton for their series “Trends in Applied Linguistics [TAL]”, ISBN 9783119149211 and will be published no later than 2026.
A detailed overview of my research on language and gender, including a repository of the five conferences / workshops held, is available on the following website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sllf/linguistics/research/gender-inclusive-language/