AskOxford.com

At the beginning of May, Oxford University Press's new web site AskOxford (available free at www.askoxford.com) went live. As the name implies, this site is the new online home of the OWLS service, where Oxford's dictionary editors answer enquiries from the general public about the English language (of which more later).

But that is merely the tip of the iceberg: the site contains a wealth of language-related information and resources. Electronic versions of the Paperback Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, and the Oxford Dictionary of First Names are included in the site, searchable from a query box at the top of each page. For schools, there are downloadable worksheets covering dictionary skills.

A 'Better Writing' section offers a 'Tip of the week', a database of common errors, and tips on spelling and grammar, and a guide to getting your message across using plain English. In the UK version of the site, there are also several sample letters, to give ideas for turns of phrase in various letter-writing situations.

The 'World of Words' contains insight into the world of dictionaries and lexicography. New words from each decade of the 20^th century are discussed, and dictionary-makers past and present are profiled. Quotations and phrases are covered in depth, and here you can find a selection of recent quotes in the news. There is also, in the UK version, a section on the history and meaning of names.

In 'Global English', Penny Silva, Director of the OED, describes the development of the many different varieties of English spoken around the world.

And for light relief, 'Word Games' offers a 'word challenge', quick and cryptic crosswords, party games, a history of Scrabble, and a section devoted to the game show Countdown.

Plans for the future development of the site include a 'History of English', a section on modern languages, and a larger collection of downloadable teaching materials.