Oxford University style guide sparks free speech row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Oxford University's style guide advises staff against idioms like 'learn the ropes' to aid international students.

Oxford University's official style guide advises staff against using common idioms and suggests replacements intended to be clearer for international readers. The guidance recommends replacing 'learn the ropes' with 'learn how to do that', 'blindspots' with 'gaps in knowledge', and 'finding your feet' with 'getting used to their new environment'. It also advises against gendered terms such as 'chairwoman', 'mankind' and 'spokesman', suggesting gender-neutral alternatives instead.

The guide, last updated in May, includes a section on 'inclusive communication' advising against jargon and unexplained acronyms. It recommends using plain English, common words, short sentences and familiar constructions. The university also suggests describing 'deprived' students as 'lower income' or having experienced 'socio-economic disadvantage'.

International students comprise 46 per cent of Oxford's total population, including 23 per cent of undergraduates and 65 per cent of graduate students. However, the Free Speech Union has described the guidance as 'language policing'. Lord Young of Acton, FSU General Secretary, said: 'Surely, one of the reasons international students come to Oxford is so that they can immerse themselves in our culture and master colloquial English.'

How it is being reported

• Oxford University row erupts over 'inclusive' style guideOxford University is advising staff against using phrases like "learn the ropes" and "find your feet" over fears they are confusing foreign students.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Oct, 20:00
• Oxford University row erupts over 'inclusive' style guideOxford University is advising staff against using phrases like "learn the ropes" and "find your feet" over fears they are confusing foreign students.Oxford Mail · 13 Oct, 20:00

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

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