In the past few years, inclusion and diversity have taken center stage and become an essential lens through which we are now measured both as individuals and the companies we represent. From our actions, words, and changes we’re determined to implement, a new recognition that being open, honest, and welcoming to all has become paramount.

An Industry Built on Including and Welcoming Others

Our business is all about language – a fundamental part of a person’s identity. Part of our duty in clear communication to all people is to create accurate translations and images that resonate with people across many cultures and diverse experiences.

Culture Changes, Language (and Chillistore) Adapt

As localization professionals, we don’t subscribe to binary systems, nor limit language to what has been used in the past – because language is ever-evolving! It’s as flexible and malleable as we are.

Understanding Pronoun Changes to Build More Effective Communication

One of the most important ways language and identity converge is in the form of pronouns. A person’s pronouns are how they present themselves to the world. While some languages (like English) have established multiple gender-inclusive solutions, others have yet to do the same.

Romance languages, for example, denote a gender for everything. How is one to create inclusive solutions within a highly gendered language? Accepting that language should reflect people — their needs, identities, and choices — is the first step, and it’s our first step at Chillistore. We are ready to find solutions that transition away from old, stale systems and move toward modern and inclusive solutions.

Show Don’t Just Tell – Developing More Inclusion in Images

In addition to inclusive language, we also create inclusive images and visuals. We work on video subtitling for hearing-impaired audiences and develop complex image descriptions in the target language for blind audiences. The challenge of these projects lies at the intersection of inclusivity and accessibility. For instance, in English, “X” is sometimes used for gender neutrality, as seen in the word “Mx.” However, screen-reader technology struggles to read texts like “Mx” that contain the “X.” We’re working on finding unique solutions to this problem. It’s a process, but it’s one about which we’re passionate.

Leading by Example to Build a Better Future

While we don’t think localization is the only key to addressing complex social issues, our industry happens to be one that’s uniquely positioned to both contribute to the conversation, as well as propose solutions. After all, an emphasis on inclusion and diversity is in our DNA and has always been what gives us life.

Born of Diversity

Here at Chillistore, inclusion and the blending of culture have been with us from the start: We were founded by a Brazilian woman living and running a business in Ireland, and we’ve been able to leverage this cross-cultural founding to bring together experienced professionals from around the world. Chillistore’s continued goal is to make our community feel safe, respected, and comfortable no matter your walk of life.

Continuing the Journey of Inclusion

While diversity is at our heart, the process is ongoing. Chillistore hosts Bias and Compassion workshops for our freelancers, where we discuss the importance of inclusive, diverse language. We don’t tolerate any display of bias, racism, misogyny, or lack of general respect. Maintaining a safe environment means walking like we talk. And at Chillistore, we believe in walking inclusively and engaging with diversity. There’s no other way to exist.

We’re not afraid to learn as we go, which is crucial to implementing real change. We’re also not scared of making mistakes, but we stand ready to address and learn from hiccups. This journey is only at its beginning – and we look forward to what potentially lies ahead.

Like What You See? Want to Talk More About Inclusion and Effective Communication?

We’d love to work with you to reach more people with your message – and in every area of the globe in which you’d like to work. Drop us a line, and let’s work together!