Parents fight back after Oxford Junior Dictionary replaces ‘natural’ words including ‘acorn’ and ‘cygnet’ with modern terms like ‘blog’
Over 170,000 people have signed a petition that needs to gain 200,000 signatures before being delivered
MORE than 175,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Oxford Junior Dictionary to reinstate nature-related words.
The petition comes after words including "acorn" and "bluebell" were replaced by modern words such as "blog" and "chatroom".
Terry Jackson, who started the petition, said: "By removing many words to do with nature from the Oxford Junior Dictionary, children will, rather than caring for the Earth and everything on it, be more insular and lead less healthy lives."
The campaign was started just a few weeks ago, despite the fact the change was first made to the dictionary in 2007.
Supporter Maria Demkowivz said: "It's important that words like this are accessible to everyone."
Janic Bernier added: "These are very common words in our language; we don't need to decrease our children's vocabulary!"
JoAnne Zulauf said: "Who are they to decide that the words "dandelion", "otter", and "acorn" are not relevant to children these days?"
Others, such as Margaret Friederich, questioned children's gaming habits and wondered if that was why the words were replaced.
"Young people should be encouraged to literally "look beyond their immediate environment" - in this case, most likely their gaming environment."
Jacky Hall wonders if the lack of nature-related words will help "create a generation of couch potatoes".
Campaigner Terry updated supporters by sharing a response she received from Oxford University Press, saying: "Like you, we feel strongly that nature is essential to children’s lives, and are encouraged to see that this is such an important issue to people."
Terry has appeared on BBC Radio Oxford to discuss the "importance of educating children to love their planet".
If the petition reaches its 200,000 signature target, it will be delivered to both Oxford University Press and Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
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