Photo : Maison de la Conversation
But what is this (inclusive) language?
4 workshops to understand what inclusive language really is, take action, and debate without tearing each other apart.
Maison de la Conversation (Paris 18th)
About
"Inclusive writing" is a subject of debate: many people talk about it, but opinions are often based on preconceived ideas rather than on scientific, linguistic, and historical foundations.
This series of 4 workshops offers a moment of reflection to understand what inclusive language really is and the diversity of its forms (beyond the controversial median point); to become aware that it is a tool that we can all use in our daily lives, at work or at home, and learn how; to dissect the arguments against it and know how to respond, to foster a constructive and inclusive civic debate.
🔴 The Program
Workshops 1 and 2: Introduction to inclusive language
What is the difference between inclusive language and inclusive writing? What is it for? How do you do it? What are the different techniques? How to avoid backlash? Why do so many companies use it?
The introductory workshop lays the foundations of the debate and explains the main conventions of inclusive language, using concrete examples from everyday life (advertising, job offers, series, etc.).
Workshop 3: Inclusive language, a superpower for adults against gender stereotypes in children
When we raise or work with children, we ask ourselves many questions about how to avoid passing on stereotypes: what games to play? what books to read? But there is a superpower we already have and tend to underestimate: our choice of words and the use of a language where "the masculine does not prevail." Because it conditions perceptions of professions or the place of individuals in society from a very young age, the choice of fair, precise, and inclusive words is crucial.
This workshop explores the scientific mechanisms of how words impact gender stereotypes, offers a guilt-free approach to teaching French to children, and suggests effective practices for using inclusive language with them.
Workshop 4: " Inclusive writing ": the argument bingo, or how to sharpen your repartee to defend inclusive language
It's useless! It's a fake fight! It's unreadable for people with dyslexia! French is complicated enough as it is! The language is not sexist! It's a woke feminist thing with no point! Don't you have anything better to do?
It's not always easy to respond while staying calm. So let's play argument bingo to practice!
In this workshop, after a quick introduction to the concept of inclusive language, we will review the main arguments of the skeptics and play at responding to them, by mobilizing scientific, historical, and linguistic arguments with concrete illustrations to convince and debate without tearing each other apart.
⚠️ Notes:
- It is not essential to have attended an introductory workshop to attend the following workshops.
- The workshops are open to everyone, whether French is your native language or not, but it is necessary to have good oral fluency to follow and participate. This is not a French class; your "level" in grammar or spelling does not matter!
Dates
Workshop 1 introduction: Wednesday, September 23, from 7 PM to 9 PM
Workshop 2 introduction: Wednesday, October 7, from 5 PM to 7 PM
Workshop 3 education x inclusive language: Saturday, November 14, from 2 PM to 4 PM
Workshop 4 argument bingo: Wednesday, December 9, from 7 PM to 9 PM
Price
Free
Facilitator
Alicia Birr
How to get there?
Maison de la Conversation
10-12 rue Maurice Grimaud, 75018 Paris
Recommended public transport
Metro: lines 4 (Porte de Clignancourt) or 13 (Porte de Saint-Ouen)
Tram: T3B, stop Angélique Compoint – Porte de Montmartre
Bus: lines 60 and 95, stop René Binet
Instagram: @iciconversation
Website: maisondelaconversation.org
Our take on this event
Forget the endless online debates and get to the heart of what inclusive language actually means. These workshops offer a refreshing deep dive into how our vocabulary shapes society, from childhood development to workplace communication. It is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your arguments and gain a clearer perspective on a misunderstood subject.
The workshop series Mais c'est quoi ce langage (inclusif) ? arrives at the Maison de la Conversation in the 18th arrondissement to examine the mechanisms and practical tools of inclusive language. Led by Alicia Birr, these sessions move beyond common preconceptions to explore how language impacts gender stereotypes and social representation. These workshops are completely free and open to anyone with a strong command of spoken French. Participants will gain analytical tools and well-founded arguments to foster more egalitarian communication in daily life, whether at work or at home, through a series of interactive sessions.
Over four thematic workshops, Alicia Birr explores the scientific, historical, and linguistic foundations of inclusive language. The program begins with an introduction to conventions and techniques, using examples from advertising and job postings. Another session focuses on the role of language in shaping gender stereotypes during childhood, while a final workshop uses a game-based approach to help participants develop effective arguments against common criticisms of inclusive practices.
The final two sessions take place at the Maison de la Conversation, located at 10, rue Maurice Grimaud, 75018 Paris. The session on education occurs on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00, followed by the argument-building workshop on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. Attendance is free of charge. While previous participation in the introductory workshops is not mandatory, a good level of spoken French is necessary to participate in the discussions. You can reach the venue via metro lines 4 or 13, the T3B tramway, or bus lines 60 and 95.
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