Oppidan Shift

Dictionary paper (cut out nature words), cotton thread, plastic hoop & magnetic weights
170 x 84 cm
2017

Oppidan Shift responds to the decreasing presence of ‘nature’ words in dictionaries. In 2015, the Oxford Junior Dictionary removed terms like acorn, bluebell, and chestnut, replacing them with digital and indoor- related words like attachment, celebrity, and blog. This shift highlights the growing disconnect between the natural world and our increasingly virtual lives.

Dictionaries evolve with societal changes, and the removal of nature-related words signals a troubling detachment from nature. A recent study showed that children are more familiar with Pokémon characters than wildlife species, revealing an alarming trend in the lack of outdoor play. Access to nature is influenced by factors like class, income, and ethnicity, alongside decreasing green spaces and urban growth.

Nature matters, and how we relate to it shapes our ethical responsibility. After all, how can we care for something if we don’t even know its name?