We explored how language bias in the workplace limits self-expression, affects hiring and promotion, and reduces collaboration — especially when it comes to dialects, slang, or accents that fall outside “corporate” norms. Our project looked at how AI could help bridge this gap by translating informal or regional speech into clear, professional communication without erasing identity.

Our proposed solution is a personalised AI tool that adapts to individual language profiles, allowing people to express themselves freely while supporting understanding and inclusivity in teams. It’s about empowering identity, not policing it.

We worked across disciplines to understand and tackle this issue. We:

• Analysed how bias shows up in workplace language
• Mapped communication challenges across dialects, slang, and professionalism
• Developed an AI concept that translates speech while learning from user input
• Proposed a system for testing comfort, collaboration, and opportunity outcomes

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This project brought together:

• Linguistics – exploring how dialect and slang shape perception
• Human Rights Law – connecting freedom of expression to workplace equity
• Computer Science – designing adaptive, ethical AI
• Neuroscience – understanding subconscious bias in how we hear and judge language

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