English language policy prescriptivism in 21st century UK Universities: equality diversity and inclusion (EDI) legal and policy framework operating on staff and student language.

Abstract

This paper summarises the EDI related legal and policy forces acting on language use at UK and in particular Scottish Universities, whether in a teaching context, publishing, or simply as communication. The paper highlights the themes that show why particular language is prescribed or proscribed. In terms of how language is prescribed or proscribed, the focus is on legal duties on one hand and freedoms on the other. This paper is helpful for anyone interested in official and other powerful forces on language norm setting, particularly those operating in this context to understand their freedoms and restrictions on freedoms: understanding the delicate legal balances between promoting inclusion and avoiding discrimination; helping answer the questions “Do teachers have an obligation to teach certain language?” “Do students and teachers have an obligation to use certain language?”. This paper also provides context for anyone studying other aspects of the EDI linguistic prescriptivism phenomenon.