Plain Speaking or Linguistic Equivalent of Ethnic Cleansing?

Some councils ban use of Latin terms in hope of avoiding confusion

In a move that has been called "the linguistic equivalent of ethnic cleansing" some Councils have banned their staff from using Latin words, believing they might confuse people.

According to the BBC, several local authorities have ruled that phrases like "vice versa", "pro rata", and even "via" should not be used, in speech or in writing. They feel that using Latin is elitist and discriminatory, because some people might not understand it - particularly if English is not their first language.

One council has has drawn up a list of 18 Latin phrases which its staff are advised not to use, either verbally or in official correspondence. Others have banned "QED", "ad hoc", "bona fide", "ad lib" and "quid pro quo".

There has been some debate locally over the use of the Latin 'pro rata' on parking ticket machines. A spokesman for Hounslow Council said that they were "aware of a small number of people's concerns" but have no plans to ban the use of Latin. "What would you replace "via" with?" he added.

However, according to the BBC the move has been welcomed by the Plain English Campaign which says some officials only use Latin to make themselves feel important adding that the ban might stop people confusing the Latin abbreviation e.g. with the word "egg".

March 19, 2009