A-Z House Style

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race and ethnicity #

The following are acceptable terms to use to describe a person’s race or ethnicity: 

  • white
  • Black*. Note capital ‘B’. Never used ‘coloured’ or anything else with racist or out-dated connotations. Use Black people rather than ‘Blacks’ and likewise for other examples.
  • Asian (ie people from the Asian subcontinent)
  • mixed race or dual heritage 
  • indigenous groups (ie to refer to minority groups whose land and lifestyles are often under threat)
  • African British, African American, African Caribbean, British Chinese, British Asian, Black British, African, Latin American, Caribbean and so on
  • Communities, people and groups (don’t use the term ‘tribes’)
    Refer to the traveller community, not ‘gypsies’ or ‘gypsy’.

*avoid terms historically associated with skin colours such as ‘black list’ or ‘white lie’.

Remember to be inclusive and respectful at all times and ask for advice if you need it.

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refugee #

An exile who flees their own country of residence, to another country, for safety

NB: this is different to an IDP (Internally Displaced Person/People) who has fled their home but remains within their country of residence.

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region #

See province/region/state.

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reported speech #

See says/said.

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Rev #

At first mention, Rev John/Maria Smith. Thereafter John/Maria or Mr/Miss/Ms/Mrs Smith. Never ‘Rev Smith’ or ‘Reverend Smith’, which is American usage.

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RSVP #

This means ‘please reply’ in French, so we don’t need to add the word ‘please’ at any point. 

Yes: RSVP to ann.other@tearfund 

No: Please RSVP to ann.other@tearfund.org