Oxford tells staff to avoid idioms for international students

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 10:58 · Archive

Oxford University has advised staff to avoid common British phrases such as 'learn the ropes' to prevent confusing international students.

Oxford University has advised staff to avoid common British idioms in written and spoken communication, citing concerns that they may confuse international students or rely on cultural stereotypes. The university's official style guide, updated in May, recommends replacing familiar phrases with simpler alternatives as part of guidance on inclusive language and clear written communication.

International students comprise 46 per cent of Oxford's total population, including 23 per cent of undergraduates and 65 per cent of graduate students. The guide advises staff to use 'plain English' rather than 'jargon and unexplained acronyms', keeping to 'common words, short sentences and familiar constructions'. Someone learning a new task could be described as learning 'how to do that' rather than 'learning the ropes', while a person 'finding their feet' should be said to be 'getting used to their new environment'.

The guidance also recommends replacing 'blindspots' with 'gaps in knowledge', avoiding gendered terms such as 'spokesman' in favour of 'spokesperson', and using 'they/them' pronouns. It advises describing 'deprived' students as 'lower income' or as having experienced 'socioeconomic disadvantage'. The Free Speech Union called the guidance 'mad' and language policing, with Lord Young arguing that international students come to Oxford partly to immerse themselves in British culture and master colloquial English.

How it is being reported

• Oxford dons told not to use phrase 'learn the ropes' in 'mad' drive to avoid confusing international studentsIts official style guide contains a section on 'inclusive communication', which also tells dons to avoid the phrase 'blindspots'.Daily Mail · 13 Oct, 10:37
• Oxford University guide ditches traditional British phrases in favour of 'inclusive' language for foreign studentsOxford University has advised staff to avoid everyday expressions such as “learn the ropes” and “find your feet”, warning they may confuse international students or rely on stereotypes. The university’s official style guide recommends replacing familiar phrases with simpler alternatives, as part of its guidance on inclusive language and clear written communication. The advice also cautions against using the word “blindspots”, suggesting “gaps in knowledge” instead. Staff are encouraged to replace gender-specific terms such as “spokesman”, “chairwoman” and “mankind” with “spokesperson”…GB News · 12 Oct, 10:56

In this story: Oxford University · Free Speech Union · Lord Young

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