Use inclusive language

// ❌ Ableist language in code
function sanityCheck(data: unknown): boolean { ... }
const dummyUser = { name: 'Test' }
// This is a crazy edge case
 
// ✅ Inclusive alternatives
function validateInput(data: unknown): boolean { ... }
const sampleUser = { name: 'Test' }
// This is an unusual edge case

<!-- ❌ Gendered assumptions -->
<p>When a user logs in, he can access his dashboard.</p>
<label>Salutation: Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.</label>
 
<!-- ✅ Gender-neutral -->
<p>When users log in, they can access their dashboard.</p>
<label>Name (optional title)</label>
<!-- Or offer inclusive options: Mx., prefer not to say, custom -->

// ❌ Blaming, unhelpful error messages
const errors = {
  invalidEmail: "You entered an invalid email",
  wrongPassword: "Wrong password. Try again.",
  formFailed: "You made errors in the form"
}
 
// ✅ Helpful, non-blaming messages
const errors = {
  invalidEmail: "Please enter a valid email address (example: name@domain.com)",
  wrongPassword: "The password doesn't match our records. Need to reset it?",
  formFailed: "Some fields need attention. See highlighted areas below."
}

// ❌ Culture-specific idioms
const messages = {
  success: "Home run! You did it!",
  error: "Back to square one",
  loading: "Keep your fingers crossed"
}
 
// ✅ Universal language
const messages = {
  success: "Complete! Your changes are saved.",
  error: "Let's try a different approach",
  loading: "Processing your request"
}

// ❌ Binary gender, required field
<select name="gender" required>
  <option value="male">Male</option>
  <option value="female">Female</option>
</select>
 
// ✅ Inclusive options, optional field
<select name="gender" aria-describedby="gender-note">
  <option value="">Prefer not to say</option>
  <option value="female">Female</option>
  <option value="male">Male</option>
  <option value="non-binary">Non-binary</option>
  <option value="other">Other</option>
</select>
<p id="gender-note" className="helper-text">
  Optional. Used for personalization only.
</p>

// ❌ Assumes Western naming conventions
<input name="firstName" required />
<input name="lastName" required />
 
// ✅ Flexible name handling
<input
  name="fullName"
  required
  aria-describedby="name-help"
/>
<p id="name-help">Enter your name as you'd like to be addressed</p>
 
// Or if separate fields needed:
<input name="givenName" placeholder="Given name(s)" />
<input name="familyName" placeholder="Family name" />

<!-- ❌ Culturally specific examples -->
<input placeholder="John Smith">
<input type="tel" placeholder="(555) 123-4567">
 
<!-- ✅ Generic or varied examples -->
<input placeholder="Your name">
<input type="tel" placeholder="+1 555 123 4567" aria-describedby="phone-format">
<p id="phone-format">Include country code for international numbers</p>

## Language Review Checklist
 
### Ableist Language
- [ ] No "crazy," "insane," "lame," "dumb"
- [ ] No "blind to," "deaf to," "turn a blind eye"
- [ ] No "sanity check," "dummy data"
 
### Gender
- [ ] Uses "they/them" for unknown individuals
- [ ] Avoids "he/she" constructions
- [ ] Gender fields are optional or inclusive
 
### Tone
- [ ] Error messages guide, don't blame
- [ ] Instructions are encouraging, not condescending
- [ ] Avoids idioms that don't translate
 
### Names & Identity
- [ ] Name fields accommodate global naming conventions
- [ ] Titles/salutations are optional
- [ ] Examples use diverse names