Skip to main content

AQAL Label Crosswalk (Dual-Layer)

AQAL Label Crosswalk (Dual-Layer)

This guide defines a dual-layer language model for learner accessibility and conceptual precision.

  • Layer A: learner-friendly labels for onboarding and usability.
  • Layer B: canonical AQAL terms for rigor and interoperability.

Use both layers together where useful, for example: "Skills (Lines)" or "Style (Types)".

Why Dual-Layer

  • Improves accessibility for new learners.
  • Preserves theoretical accuracy for advanced users and contributors.
  • Creates consistent terminology across modules, pathways, and issues.

Canonical Crosswalk

Friendly LabelCanonical AQAL TermPreferred Display
WhereQuadrantsWhere (Quadrants)
DepthLevelsDepth (Levels)
SkillsLinesSkills (Lines)
ExperienceStatesExperience (States)
StyleTypesStyle (Types)

4-Path Crosswalk (Optional)

The 4-path language is recommended as an editorial accessibility layer, not a mandatory framework.

Friendly PathPrimary AQAL AlignmentTypical Emphasis
Growing UpLevels (and Lines)Developmental complexity, meaning-making, perspective expansion
Waking UpStatesAwareness practices, contemplation, state access and stabilization
Cleaning UpShadow work (I/We), emotional/interpersonal linesProjection work, triggers, integration, repair
Showing UpQuadrants in action (especially It/Its and We)Ethical participation, service, contribution, systems behavior

Editorial Guidance by Audience Readiness

For Amber-oriented learners

Use strengths-first framing:

  • Lead with reliability, responsibility, role clarity, and service.
  • Frame rational methods as strengthening good order, not replacing it.
  • Prefer concrete examples and clear steps.

Suggested style:

  • "Skills (Lines) you can practice"
  • "Style (Types) preferences"
  • "Where (Quadrants) to apply this in real life"

Avoid:

  • Deficit framing (for example "you are stuck at...")
  • Jargon-only explanations without practical translation

For Orange/Green/Integral audiences

  • Increase canonical terminology density.
  • Keep dual-layer phrasing in headings on first introduction.
  • Shift to canonical shorthand after orientation is established.

Application Rules for Contributors

  • Use dual-layer labels in intros, pathway overviews, and onboarding screens.
  • In advanced modules, canonical AQAL terms can dominate after first-pass orientation.
  • 4-path framing is optional and should be used when it improves clarity for target learners.
  • If used, map each selected path to at least one explicit AQAL dimension.

For future content tagging, use both topical and dual-layer tags where relevant:

  • Canonical tags: quadrants, levels, lines, states, types
  • Friendly tags: where, depth, skills, experience, style
  • Optional path tags: growing-up, waking-up, cleaning-up, showing-up

Quick Authoring Snippet

Use this pattern in learner-facing docs:

  • Where (Quadrants): I / We / It / Its
  • Depth (Levels): Amber -> Orange (example)
  • Skills (Lines): cognitive, emotional
  • Experience (States): focused attention, reflection
  • Style (Types): structured-first, discussion-first

If using 4-path framing:

  • Growing Up: complexity and perspective tasks
  • Waking Up: awareness/state practices
  • Cleaning Up: trigger/projection integration
  • Showing Up: service/ethics/systems participation