While sheltering in the Covered Market from inclement weather I noticed a sign containing the expression ‘alarm of fire’.

As it happens, anyone understanding the usual term would, rather fortunately in this particular case, probably have no trouble comprehending this unorthodox variant, even if this irregularity may in due course give rise to disputes between foreign students and their teachers.

Sadly, not all Oxford City Council notices are so easily translatable into standard English, as this body would seem to place, sincerely or otherwise, ‘politically correct’ recruitment policies above service to the people of the city and those visiting us.

One should have thought, however, that such wording would have been verified by a senior more proficient in the vernacular, or failing that, that the signwriters themselves might have indicated such anomalies, although, judging by the number of times I have seen ‘off license’ around this world-renowned centre of learning, their own English is not too hot either.

The Insider (August 14) criticises Oxford City councillors for dressing up in summer garb in an attempt to be ordinary.

Mercifully, they actually are pretty ordinary, except for their usually somewhat superior intellect and an particular flair for politics.

Besides, what constitutes ordinariness in this city, a quandary over which I have expressed many a sleepless night?

David Dement Riverside Court Oxford

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